Effects of nano zinc oxide supplementation on metabolic parameters during the transition period in Lacaune ewes

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the influence of nano zinc oxide (N-ZnO) on metabolic parameters in transition periods of the Lacaune ewes. The animals were allocated into two equal groups: the control group (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 10) supplemented with 20 mg/kg of N-ZnO. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on days −30, −15, 0 (parturition), + 15 and +30. A time effect was observed on aspartate aminotransferase which decreased in both groups from day −30 to day 0 (P ≤ 0.05). All ewes on day 0 had lower alanine aminotransferase than on day −30 (P ≤ 0.001) and day −15 (P ≤ 0.05). In both groups, albumin and total protein levels on day −30, blood urea nitrogen level on day +30 (P ≤ 0.001), β-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acid levels on day +15 (P ≤ 0.05) were higher. Triglycerides on day +30, glucose on days −15, 0, + 30 were lower (P ≤ 0.001). Blood calcium was lower (P ≤ 0.05) and zinc was higher on day +30 (P ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, there was no significant effect of N-ZnO/kg supplementation during the transition period, but changes in metabolic parameters due to a time effect were observed.