Effect of Boron Supplemetation on the Overall Health and Productivity of Livestock

Boron having the characteristics between metal and non-metal behaves like a metalloid and is considered as an essential element for plants, while in animals and human the knowledge of its biological effects is not fully explored yet and so it is the mineral of future prospect and interest. Boron is considered as a trace element in periodic table, known to influence various physiological functions specifically the metabolism of vitamins, minerals and hormones along with immunity and antioxidant defense mechanism. It acts as a lewis acid and in its cationic form has high affinity for the hydroxyl group to form borate and boric acid. The chemical properties of boron allow it to form complex with organic molecules containing hydroxyl group and therefore, interact with various metabolites to influence cellular activity. Boron interacts with calcium and phosphorus and its supplementation have direct effect on the bioavailability of Ca and P in the growth and bone development of chickens and other livestock. B plays a role in regulating the enzymatic activity of pathways involved in energy substrate metabolism and insulin release. Antioxidant activities of supplemental B were also elucidated. Boron plays a regulatory role in the metabolism of several micronutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, magnesium and molybdenum along with its effect on serum T3 and T4 concentration in livestock. B supplementation in chicken has shown better feed conversion ratio, bone development and body growth, respectively.