Magnesium is an important mineral, playing a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body. Its many functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system.

Deficiency of this mineral causes mental retardation and muscle spasms. The best natural sources of magnesium are alfalfa, clover, bran, sainfoin and flaxseed. Supplements such as methyl magnesium, magnesium carbonate and magnesium sulfate can also used as sources of magnesium in the diet.

Magnesium is an essential and important cation for feeding animals and especially plants. Studies about functions of magnesium in animal are mainly related to neuroparalytic, which occurred when magnesium salts were injected in form of perfusion.

In the last eighty years, magnesium has been recognized as an essential element for animal nutrition. Although, there are extensive research and studies about magnesium, but the physiological role of this element in animal and its interactions with other metal ions is not discovered.

In 1927, Erdmann discovered that magnesium activates alkaline phosphatase. Several enzymes have since been identified that are activated by magnesium. Although concentrations magnesium is low in chicken that newly hatch out, but after that it increase rapidly. About half of body’s magnesium is in the bones. Magnesium, like potassium, concentrate in the soft tissue cells of body. The liver, striated muscle, kidneys and brain have about 430-450 mg of magnesium per kg of tissue, while blood serum contains 10% magnesium.