INFLUENCE OF SOME TRACE MINERALS IN FORM OF NORMAL AND NANO PARTICLES AS FEED SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWING RABBIT DIETS

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of adding some trace minerals (copper, zinc and selenium) in Normal and Nano form in a half of amount. Seven diets adding with Control (0), 1g Normal copper Cu, 0.5g Nano-Cu, 0.8 Normal Zinc (Zn), 0.4 g Nano- Zn, 0.2 Normal selenium (Se) and 0.1mg Nano-Se /100kg of diet, respectively. Eighty four New Zealand White (NZW) growing rabbits (5 weeks old) with an average weight of 565 g were randomly assigned individually to seven treatments of twelve rabbits each. All diets were formulated to be iso-protein and iso-digestible energy, and to satisfy the nutrients requirements according to Agriculture Ministry Decree (1996) recommendation. The experimental lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that nano form of trace minerals used have more improving in live body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion. There are no significant differences in dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility between groups. The digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values of diets contained trace minerals (Cu, Zn and Se) were significantly (P≤ 0.05) better in general than control group. Groups supplemented with Nano- Cu, Nano- Ze and Nano- Se were the best one’s in the digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values between all groups. Diets had significant (P≤ 0.05) effect on carcass traits, highest cecum weight and Total edible parts were in group supplemented with Nano-Se. Also, the highest liver and heart weight were in group supplemented with Nano-Se. Data showed that rabbit fed diet supplemented with Nano-Se increased significantly (P<0.05) in total protein, glucose and total antioxidant capacity. Results also, showed that least cecum microbial counts, in general were noticed with Nano-Se group. Yeast counts increased when compared with the control diet except normal-Cu group. The least feed cost/ Kg body weight gain, economic efficiency and the best relative economic efficiency were for Nano-Cu supplementation, while the worst values were for control. The all diets for normal and nano trace minerals were better than the control diet. In conclusion, adding copper, zinc and selenium in normal form and nano form in even a half of amount in growing rabbit diets can be used economically without any adverse effects on growing rabbit performance with percentages used.