Influence of alpha-ketoglutarate on cortical bone density, geometrical properties and mechanical endurance of the humerus in turkeys

In English The aim of this study was to estimate an influence of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on volumetric bone density and geometrical and mechanical properties of the humerus in farm turkeys. All birds were kept under standard rearing conditions with constant access to water and appropriate feed, supplied in accordance with the stage of production cycle. Bone samples were collected 14 weeks after beginning of the experiment. To the first group belonged the control turkeys. The second group of animals consisted of turkeys that were treated with AKG from the 22(nd) to 110(th) d of life. Using Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, volumetric bone density of the cortical bone in the humerus was estimated. Both the mechanical and geometrical properties of the bone were assessed according to Ferretti method. The obtained results showed anabolic influence of enteral AKG administration on cortical bone density, geometrical properties and mechanical endurance of the humerus. Moreover, the humerus in turkey may be utilised as a model of cortical bone for further investigations of factors conditioning skeletal homeostasis.