The role of bioavailable silica in supporting poultry growth and development

Silica is known to be an important essential ultra-trace mineral which does not currently have a recommended level for supplementation in poultry, beyond avoidance of deficiency. The chemistry of silicon dictates its bioavailability, and depending on source and concentration, solubility varies widely. This review details the chemistry and biology of silica and the potential mode of action for improving bone health while also bringing together research from human and other animal fields. The poultry sector has investigated the effect of supplementation with several silicon containing compounds with inconsistent outcomes. This may be due to the large variability in bioavailability of differing silicon containing compounds, so this is also discussed. Finally, the authors consider whether bioavailable silica should have a recommended supplemented level for poultry to maximise performance and skeletal integrity in the future, and if so, should this be of a known bioavailable form.