On the composition of gastroliths from broiler breeders

• Published in: Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition Vol. 102; no. 1; pp. e504 - e508
• Main Authors: Martín‐Ramos, P., Carrión‐Prieto, P., Sánchez‐Báscones, M., Ruiz‐Potosme, N. M., Martín‐Gil, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2018
• Subjects: Abrasion; Aluminum; broiler breeders; Copper; feldspar; fibre; Fourier analysis; Fourier transforms; Gallus gallus domesticus; Gastrointestinal tract; gastroliths; Gizzard; gizzard stone; Grit; Hematite; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Iron; Magnesium; Manganese; Minerals; Pegmatite; Rocks; Ventriculus; X ray powder diffraction; Zinc; Zirconium; feldspar; gastroliths; fibre; gizzard stone; broiler breeders
• ISSN: 0931-2439; 1439-0396
• DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12775

Summary The purpose of this study was to ascertain the composition and origin of certain gastroliths or gizzard stones from broiler breeders (Gallus gallus domesticus). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray powder diffraction techniques were used as analysis tools. The main components resulted to be organic fibre and minerals referred to a pegmatite rock (quartz, feldspar albite and haematite) used as grit. Although the generally accepted purpose of gastroliths in chicken is the crushing and grinding of foodstuff in the ventriculus, the importance of mineral uptake from grit of iron and other essential elements such as Al, Ca, K, Cl, P, Ti, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn and Zr (in ppm) as a secondary effect of the abrasion and dissolution of gastroliths should not be disregarded.