The effect of in ovo boron administration on bone mineralization of the chicken embryo

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that boron (B) is an essential element for animals, especially in bone metabolism. Two studies were conducted to evaluate this. The first experiment assessed boron's physiological dose effect. At 8 d of embryogenesis, carrier or B (0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg) was injected on to the chorioallantoic membrane of fertile eggs. As embryos hatched, body weights were recorded and tissue samples were collected. Although boron did not alter percent bone ash, it decreased the dried bone weight, suggesting a reduction in the bone organic matrix. The B-1.0 dosage decreased hatchability and increased the height of the proliferative zone in the growth plate. To determine whether a vitamin D - boron interaction exists, a second experiment was carried out using vitamin D deficient eggs. These hatching eggs were injected at 8 d of embryogenesis with carrier, 0.5 mg B, 0.5 mg B and 0.3 μg vit D3, or vit D3 (0.3 or 1.5 μg). Boron and/or vitamin D3 increased percent bone ash and decreased the exaggerated height of the proliferative zone. These data provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that boron is involved with bone mineralization through its interaction with vitamin D.