Bioactive role of dietary boron in animals: A review

The advances in nutritional research have identified the role of newer trace elements influencing various biological functions in animals. One such element is Boron (B) which has received much attention over last few decades. B has been identified as one of the lighter elements, readily available at the earth crust. Though, it is quite abundant in the plants as boric acid and borate anion but recent studies has indicated that the supplementation of B to fast growing chicken was helpful in achieving better growth as well as various biochemical functions through altering the levels of minerals. Initially it was postulated that B has a role in bone development through their interaction with major minerals calcium, phosphorus and subsequently with vitamin D. The supplementation of B to Ca deficient diet has been observed to increase the serum inorganic Ca content in livestock and poultry. Boron has been identified to influence the estrogen and testosterone hormones thereby, the overall performance. Apart from this, dietary B as well as it's topical application has been observed to improve the growth of smooth tissues and favor wound healing, respectively. The dietary supplementation of B has been observed to improve egg shell thickness in layers and exhibit hypolipidemic effect in rats and pigs. B supplementation has shown to upregulate the expression of genes coding for antioxidants, immunity and semen quality in animals. The present review narrates the bioactive role of B in physiological functions of animals and accrued benefits on its supplementation.