Cation-Anion Ratios in Poultry Diets

The electrolyte balance is termed as the balance between income, consumption and loss of essential monovalent ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-), which is dissociated into its ionic components, and the main physiological function of which is maintaining acid-base balance and osmotic pressure of the body. The adjustment in the electrolyte balance of rations must be done at any stage production of animals, and that the improvements in performance are more evident in the finishing stages of growth and under conditions of heat stress. The high metabolic level required by the animals that have genetic for rapid growth, demand adjustments in modern formulations where small adjustments can make a difference for better performance. In this article important patents are also discussed.