Effect of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on mineralisation, morphology and mechanical endurance of femur and tibia in turkey

In English The aim of this study was to determine the influence of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on volumetric bone density, geometrical and mechanical properties of femur and tibia in farm turkeys. All animals 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 control turkeys. The second group of animals consisted of turkeys that were administered AKG from the 22(nd) to 110(th) d of life. Using Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, volumetric bone density of femur and tibia were estimated for trabecular and cortical bone. Both the mechanical and geometrical properties of femur and tibia were assessed according to Ferretti's method. The obtained results indicate positive influence of enteral AKG administration on skeletal system quality in turkeys.