Metabolic Challenges and Early Bone Development

Lameness is the phenotypic expression of a wide variety of genetic, conformational, nutritional, toxic, and infectious conditions. Poultry selected for rapid growth are susceptible to lameness, and it can be a significant source of mortality in heavy birds. Genetic selection has been successful in providing annual improvements in meat poultry productivity; however, some support systems, such as the cardiovascular and skeletal systems, have not kept up with the increase in body mass, making birds increasingly susceptible to compromise or failure of these systems. Breeders have been selecting for robust support systems in addition to increased productivity, but meat birds are still challenged with keeping structural and supply organs synchronized with the growth of demand tissues such as muscle. The structural system of the bird is comprised of bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the connective tissue of skin and other organs. Healthy bone growth can be disrupted by developmental, nutritional, environmental, or infectious conditions, with bone problems often being associated with more than one of these causes. A review of recent reports on bone formation and the role of trace minerals in bone development and repair indicate that availability of Zn, Cu, and Mn should be considered by nutritionists who want to enhance the resilience of bone, cartilage, and other structural tissues in their birds.