Effect of nano zinc supplementation on serum biochemical and mineral levels in Malabari kids fed on complete rations with varying energy levels

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide (Zn) on mineral retention and serum mineral levels of Malabari kids. Fifteen Malabari kids of 2-3 months of age were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with five replicates in each. The dietary treatments were: T1 (Control)- Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 70%, T2- Complete feed containing CP-14%, TDN- 65% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc, T3 – Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 60% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc for a period of 90 days. Blood was collected subjected to assess serum mineral status and serum biochemical analysis at end of trial. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in group T2 (1.65±0.23 mg/L), T3 (1.77±0.31 mg/L) compared to T1 (0.82±0.07 mg/L) group. Supplementation of nano zinc had no effect on mineral levels of calcium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. Supplementation of nano zinc at 20 ppm had no effect (P>0.05) on haemoglobin (g/dL), serum glucose, total protein, globulin and serum enzymes like ALT (IU/L), AST (IU/L), ALP (IU/L) and creatinine (mg/dL) levels. The study concluded that nano zinc supplementation to complete ration having lower energy (60 % TDN or 65 % TDN) in kids did not alter the serum calcium, phosphorous, copper , manganese and serum biochemical parameters while significantly (p<0.05) higher serum zinc levels was observed showing improved bioavailability.