Organic Zinc Supplementation Research Articles

Influences of dietary selenium, zinc and their combination on semen characteristics and testosterone concentration in mature rams during breeding season

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc (Availa®Zn100) and selenium (Availa®Se1000) on semen characteristics, testes measures and serum testosterone concentration. Twenty Sanjabi rams (50.01 ± 5.6 kg) were randomly divided into four equal groups, given the basal diet as control (C) or supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se (SE) or 40 mg/kg Zn (ZN) or 40 mg/kg Zn plus 0.3 mg/kg Se (ZS) for 120 days experiment (from July to November). The semen samples and blood samples were collected every 3 weeks and scrotal circumference was measured every 15 days. The results indicated that scrotal circumference and testosterone concentrations did not differ due to treatment (P > .05). In contrast, semen characteristics were affected by ZS supplementation. The sperm density and total sperm number increased (P < .05) in ZS group. In addition, the progressive sperm motility was higher in ZS (P < .05) than those of SE and C groups. It is concluded that ZS treatment can improve semen characteristics, which may result in overall improvement in reproductive performance of treated Sanjabi rams during the breeding season.

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc on laying performance, egg quality and some biochemical parameters of laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in laying hens from 22 to 34weeks of age. A total of 120 Hisex Brown laying hens of 22-week-old were randomly allocated into five treatments with six cage replicates for each (four hens/replicate). Dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet with no Zn-Met supplementation (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75 or 100mg Zn-Met/kg diet. No significant differences were observed on body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio due to dietary Zn-Met supplementation. However, highly significant impact was observed on daily feed intake. Egg number, egg weight and egg mass were increased in the group fed diet supplemented with the highest level of Zn-Met (100mg/kg of diet) as compared to other groups. All egg quality traits were statistically (p>.05 or .01) affected as a response to dietary Zn-Met supplementation except egg shape index, shell percentage and yolk index. In comparison with the control group, dietary supplementation of 25, 50, 75 or 100mg Zn-Met/kg decreased serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels. Serum cholesterol level was increased with all dietary levels of Zn-Met in comparison with the control group. Dietary Zn-Met supplementation increased the serum content of zinc, where the highest values were recorded with 50 and 100mg Zn-Met/kg diet. Dietary Zn-Met levels did not affect the antioxidant indices in blood serum except for the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD). The activity of Cu-Zn-SOD was increased with Zn-Met supplementations with no differences among supplemental zinc levels. It is concluded that dietary Zn-Met supplementation reduced serum triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and increased Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability of laying hens, and the addition of 100mg Zn-Met/kg to layer diet was appropriate for improving the above parameters in addition to egg production indices and Haugh unit score.

Effect of organic zinc supplementation on growth, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of Ganjam sheep

Fifteen Ganjam sheep (3-4 months of age) were stratified into three equal groups and fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture and paddy straw. T1 served as control (without any supplementation), T2 and T3 were supplemented with 20 and 40 mg zinc/kg DM as zinc methionine respectively. Experimental feeding continued for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on 90 days of the experimental feeding. Results revealed non significant (P&gt;0.05) increase in body weight gain in zinc supplemented groups. Hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea concentration were similar (P&gt;0.05) among the three groups. The antioxidant enzymes concentration were significantly (P&gt;0.05) higher in zinc supplemented group than control. It may be concluded that supplementation of organic zinc prevents stress without affecting growth and blood chemistry of sheep.

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic or inorganic zinc on carbonic anhydrase activity in eggshell formation and quality of aged laying hens

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary levels and sources of zinc (Zn) on performance and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in eggshell formation and quality in aged laying hens. A total of 504 Hy-line Grey layers aged 59 wk were fed a basal diet (Zn, 28.4 mg/kg) for 4 wks, then randomly allocated to 7 groups that were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with inorganic (ZnSO4·H2 O) or organic (amino acid metals, 9.58%) Zn at 35, 70, or 140 mg Zn per kg of feed for 6 weeks. Each group had 6 replicates of 12 hens. Results showed that egg weight decreased linearly with the supplemental level of organic Zn (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had linear and quadratic effects on the CA activity in plasma (P < 0.05), and it was higher in the organic Zn-added groups at wks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had a quadratic effect on the CA activity in the eggshell gland (P < 0.05). Shell thickness was greater in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05), and its relationship with the supplemental level of Zn showed linearly and quadratically, increasing with the organic Zn and with the inorganic Zn at wk 4, while linearly increasing with the inorganic Zn at wk 6 (P < 0.05). At wk 4, the supplemental level of inorganic Zn had a linear effect on shell weight, and linear and quadratic effects on shell index and ratio (P < 0.05), while shell weight, the index, and ratio increased linearly and quadratically with the organic Zn level in the diet (P < 0.05), with more obvious effects in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary Zn supplementation, up to 140 mg/kg feed, could increase eggshell thickness by enhancing CA activity in the plasma and eggshell gland of aged layers; thicker eggshells were found in the organic Zn-added groups, but the breaking strength did not increase despite the eggshell thickness increasing.

Effects of dietary organic zinc and α-tocopheryl acetate supplements on growth performance, meat quality, tissues minerals, and α-tocopherol deposition in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of zinc (Zn) and α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TOA) on broilers performance, meat quality, Zn, selenium (Se), and α-tocopherol (α-TO) tissue depositions. A total of 1,080 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens (mixed-sex) were allocated to nine dietary treatments. Three levels of supplemental Zn (0, 60, and 120 mg/kg of diet) and three levels of α-TOA (0, 150, and 300 mg/kg of diet) were combined as a completely randomized design with 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Chicks were penned in groups of 20 with six pens per treatment. The ADFI, ADG, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate, and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) were not affected by dietary treatments. In addition, supplementation of Zn and α-TOA and their interaction did not affect carcass parts yield. Drip loss of the breast and thigh muscles were significantly reduced 1.27 and 1.47% by α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TOA) supplementation, respectively (P < 0.01). Deposition of Zn in liver, breast, and thigh muscles were linearly increased by dietary Zn supplementation. Furthermore, supplementation of Zn increased Se content in the breast and thigh muscles and liver. Supplementation of either α-TOA or Zn increased deposition of α-TO in liver and the muscles. The Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in the breast and thigh muscles and the liver were diminished by supplementation of α-TOA (P = 0.0001) and there was positive interaction between Zn and α-TOA (P < 0.01), in which within each increase in Zn supplementation level, α-TOA supplementation resulted in a reduction of TBARS values. In conclusion, 300 mg/kg dietary supplementation of α-TOA could improve drip loss, nutritional content, and oxidation stability of muscle without any adverse effect on growth performance of chickens. In addition, 120 mg/kg dietary supplementation of Zn could fortify α-TOA effect to improve oxidation stability of the breast and thigh muscles as well as it resulted to higher muscles Zn enrichment.

Effect of Dietary Replacement of Inorganic Zinc by Organic or Nanoparticles Sources on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Intestinal Histopathology of Broiler Chicken

Two hundred and twenty-five one day-old avian chicks were used to investigate the effect of different dietary supplemental zinc sources and levels on growth performance, blood picture and biochemical parameters, immune response, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Birds were randomly allocated into 9 groups which fed on the experimental basal diet supplemented with different zinc sources and levels; group 1 was fed basal diet supplemented with (60 ppm) inorganic zinc oxide, while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with (60, 45, 30 or 15 ppm) organic zinc (polysaccharide-zinc complex) respectively and groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 were supplemented with (60, 45, 30 or 15ppm) zinc oxide nanoparticles respectively. Broiler chickens fed 60 or 45 ppm organic zinc improved growth performance while, lower supplementation levels (30 or 15ppm) had no significant effect. Moreover, zinc nanoparticles supplementation at 60, 45 or 30 ppm improved growth performance while lower level (15ppm) significantly reduced broiler performance and feed efficiency parameters. Using organic or nano zinc reduced total feed intake of broiler chicken. Organic or nano zinc supplementation non-significantly reduced blood serum lipids and increased GOT or GPT concentrations compared with those fed on diet supplemented with inorganic zinc. Moreover, organic or nano zinc had no significant effect on antioxidant enzyme activity while reduced abdominal fat weight. Organic zinc or nano zinc supplementation improved phagocytic activity, antibody production against Newcastle Disease vaccine, lymphoid organs weight and improve intestinal villi length, width and crypt depth of broiler chicken.

Effect of dietary zinc and α-tocopheryl acetate on broiler performance, immune responses, antioxidant enzyme activities, minerals and vitamin concentration in blood and tissues of broilers

A total of 1350 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to nine dietary treatments in order to evaluate the effects of organic zinc (Zn) and α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TOA) supplements and their interaction on fatty acids profile, oxidation resistance state, vitamins and minerals concentrations in blood, liver, breast and thigh muscles. Three levels of dietary supplemental Zn (0, 50 and 100mg/kg of diet) and three levels of α-TOA (0, 150 and 300mg/kg of diet) were combined as a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. An increase in Zn supplementation enhanced Zn (P<0.005), vitamin A (P<0.05) and α-tocopherol (α-TO) (P<0.005) concentrations in serum along with a reduction in iron (P<0.005), copper (P<0.005) and augmentation in humeral immune responses (P<0.01). In addition, an increase in dietary Zn supplementation led to an increase in Zn (P<0.005) and α-TO deposition (P<0.05) in the liver, breast and thigh muscles. Dietary α-TOA supplementation resulted in an increase in serum vitamin A and α-TO (P<0.005) and a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P<0.001) along with an improvement in antioxidant enzyme activities (P<0.05). In addition, α-TOA supplements altered humoral and cellular immune responses and alleviated lipid oxidation in the liver, breast and thigh muscles (P<0.005). The interaction of Zn and α-TOA reduced MDA generation in the breast and thigh muscles as well as serum and the liver (P<0.005), in which supplementation of Zn could reinforce the effects of α-TOA supplement in reducing lipid oxidation. Overall, supplementation of 100mg Zn/kg of diet and 300mg α-TOA/kg of diet would alleviate lipid oxidation in broiler tissues along with increase in humoral and cellular immune responses without any adverse effect on fatty acids profile of meat.

Comparative evaluation of organic zinc supplementation as proteinate with inorganic zinc in buffalo heifers on health and immunity

Graded Murrah buffalo heifers (18) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary groups varying in source and level of Zn supplementation in concentrate mixture to study the effect of organic (O) Zn (Zn proteinate; Zn-prot) supplementation (80 or 140 ppm) compared to inorganic Zn (I) (ZnSO4) (140 ppm) on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and ovarian folliculogenesis. Mineral and biochemical constituents in serum and antioxidant enzyme activities in haemolysate were measured on 90th d of experiment. Antibody titres (log2) against Brucella abortus S19 and chicken RBC antigens was measured in serum at 7, 14, 21 and 28th d post sensitization (humoral immunity) and cell mediated immunity was assessed (120 d) by in-vivo delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) against phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). After 60 days of feeding, ovarian folliculogenesis study was made daily with ultrasound scanner in all the animals for next 60 days. Highest Zn concentration in serum without affecting the retention of other minerals (Cu, Mn and Fe) was observed with 140 ppm Zn supplementation as Zn-prot and mineral concentrations was comparable between 80 ppm Zn as Zn-prot and 140 ppm Zn as ZnSO4. Alkaline phosphatase, total protein, globulin, and glucose concentrations in serum increased with organic Zn supplementation. Organic Zn lowered lipid peroxidation (140O&lt;80O&lt;140I) and improved RBC catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (140O&gt;80O&gt;140I) activities. Antibody titres against B. abortus and chicken RBC and in vivo DTH response improved with organic Zn supplementation. Similarly, irrespective of the dose, organic Zn supplementation significantly increased the number of large follicle with greater follicular size in ovary. The study indicated that 140 ppm Zn supplementation as Zn-prot resulted in better antioxidant status, immune response and folliculogenesis in ovaries than inorganic source and the Zn supplementation could be reduced from 140 to 80 ppm as Zn-prot without any adverse effect in buffalo heifers.

Effects of organic zinc supplementation in weaned calves

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of organic zinc supplementation in calves on serum zinc (Zn) concentrations, selected metabolic profile indicators and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations. The trial included 2 groups (n = 10) of weaned female calves. The Zn-Methionin calves (group Zn-Met) were supplemented with 30 mg Zn-Met/kg dry matter (DM)/day (BIOPLEX® Zn, Alltech, USA) for 90 days; the control calves (group C) received the same diet without organic zinc supplementation. Compared to the control group, organic Zn treatment significantly increased serum Zn concentration (P &lt; 0.05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P &lt; 0.01) and total Ig (P &lt; 0.01) in the group Zn-Met at the beginning (7 days from the start of Zn-Met supplementation) of the trial. At the end of the trial (day 90) serum total protein (TP) (P &lt; 0.05), albumin (P &lt; 0.01), urea (P &lt; 0.01), SOD (P &lt; 0.01), copper (Cu) (P &lt; 0.05), Zn (P &lt; 0.01) and Ig (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations were significantly higher in the Zn-Met calves. In the control group alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly (P &lt; 0.01) higher on day 90. A positive correlation between zinc concentrations, ALP, and SOD activities in serum, and a negative correlation between zinc and copper concentrations were demonstrated. Dietary Zn-Met supplementation in calves markedly influenced the metabolic profile and serum immunoglobulin concentrations. Compared to the control group, the Zn supplemented group showed a significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower ALP and significantly greater SOD serum activity (P &lt; 0.01) at the end of the trial. Total Ig concentrations were significantly higher in the Zn treated group (day 7: P &lt; 0.01 vs. day 90: P &lt; 0.05).

Effect of supplementation of organic zinc on the zinc level and quality traits of eggs in broiler breeders

Broiler breeder hens (264) of 32 weeks of age were distributed randomly in 4 dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were T0: Broiler breeder ration containing 40ppm zinc (basal 29.8 ppm + 10.2 ppm inorganic zinc), T1: T0 + organic zinc (zinc methionine) @ 20ppm, T2: T0 + organic zinc @ 40ppm and T3: T0 + organic zinc @ 60ppm. The experiment was continued from 32 to 48 weeks of age. At 35, 39, 43 and 48 week, the egg quality traits and zinc level in the eggs were assessed. Expect the egg shell thickness, the other studied egg quality parameters viz. egg weight (g), egg length (mm), egg breadth (mm), egg shell thickness without membrane (mm), yolk height (mm), yolk diameter (mm), albumen height (mm), albumen weight (g), yolk weight (g), egg shell weight (g), shape index and Haugh unit of female broiler breeder of different treatments during the experimental period did not differ significantly in all the periods. The zinc content of egg shell of all the groups of broiler breeder birds did not differ significantly at 32 and 39 week of age but at 40 and 48 weeks of study, significantly higher egg shell zinc content was observed in T3 group and lowest in T0. The zinc content in the egg albumen of all the groups of broiler breeder birds did not differ significantly in all the periods of study. Except at 35 weeks, the zinc content of egg yolk and total egg differed significantly with lowest levels was observed in T0. The egg shell thickness and egg shell weight of 40ppm and 60ppm zinc supplemented group were significantly higher than all other groups. Other egg quality traits found to be unaffected among treatment groups.

Replacement of inorganic zinc with lower levels of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate) on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidants status, and immune responses in rats.

Aim:A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate, Zn-nic) supplementation (6, 9, and 12 ppm) compared to inorganic zinc (12 ppm) on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemical constituents oxidative stress, and immunity in weaned female Sprague–Dawley rats.Material and Methods:A 48 weaned rats (285.20±1.95 g) were randomly distributed to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each and reared in polypropylene cages for 10 weeks. Basal diet (BD) was formulated with purified ingredients without zinc (Zn). Four dietary treatments were prepared by adding 12 ppm Zn from ZnCO3 (control) and 6, 9, and 12 ppm Zn from Zn-nic to the BD. On 42nd day, blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture for analyzing hematological constituents, glucose, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin and antioxidant enzyme activities. At 43rd day, rats were antigenically challenged with sheep red blood cell (RBC) to assess humoral immune response and on 70th day cell-mediated immune response.Results:Weekly body weight gains, daily feed intake, blood hematological constituents (white blood cell, RBC, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte concentration) and serum glucose, total protein levels were comparable among the rats feed Zn from ZnCO3 and Zn-nic (6, 9, and 12 ppm). Serum cholesterol reduced with organic Zn supplementation at either concentration (6-12 ppm). Serum globulin concentration reduced (p<0.05) with 6 ppm Zn-nic supplementation compared to other dietary treatments. Lipid peroxidation lowered (p<0.05) reduced with 12 ppm organic Zn; thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and protein carbonyls concentrations in liver reduced (p<0.05) with 9 and 12 ppm levels of organic Zn supplementation compared to 12 ppm Zn supplementation from inorganic source. RBC catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities were highest (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with 12 ppm Zn-nic, followed by 9 ppm. Comparable immune response (humoral and cell-mediated) was observed between 12 ppm inorganic Zn and 9 ppm organic Zn and higher (p<0.05) immune response was noticed at 12 ppm Zn-nic supplementation.Conclusion:Based on the results, it is concluded that dietary Zn concentration can be reduced by 50% (6 ppm) as Zn nicotinate without affecting growth performance, hemato-biochemical constituents, antioxidant status, and immunity. In addition, replacement of 12 ppm inorganic Zn with 12 ppm organic Zn significantly improved antioxidant status and immune response.

Dietary organic zinc and selenium supplementation improves semen quality and fertility in layer breeders

Dietary organic zinc and selenium supplementation improves semen quality and fertility in layer breeders

Effect of organic zinc supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization,and plasma zinc status in lambs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of supplemental zinc (Zn) on performance, nutrient digestibility, and plasma Zn status in Zandi lambs. In experiment 1, 18 male lambs (BW = 21.30 ± 0.55 kg) were fed a basal diet containing 22.8 mg Zn/kg dry matter (DM) with no supplemental Zn (control) or 20 mg of supplemental Zn/kg of DM from Zn sulfate (ZnS) or Zn peptide (ZnP). Average daily gain and dry matter intake were higher for the lambs fed the diet supplemented with ZnP. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the ZnP group compared to the control and ZnS groups. In experiment 2, an in vitro gas production technique was used to evaluate the effects of zinc source on the gas production parameters. Rate of gas production after 6 h and total production of gas after 24 and 48 h did not differ between groups. In vitro DM digestibility, short-chain fatty acids, and ME content were increased (P < 0.05) by ZnP supplementation when compared to the ZnS and control groups. The results of this study showed that feeding ZnP improves performance and digestibility of DM and could result in higher metabolizable energy and short-chain fatty acid yield.

Effect of mineral source and mannan oligosaccharide supplements on zinc and copper digestibility in growing pigs

This study aimed to compare the effects of organic (proteinate) and inorganic (sulphate) copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplements, in presence or absence of a mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) supplement, on mineral solubility and digestibility in pigs. Twenty-eight barrows (25 ± 4 kg) assigned randomly to four treatment groups were fed a corn-wheat-soya bean meal diet with 10 mg/kg of Cu and 100 mg/kg of Zn supplied as organic or inorganic supplement, and supplemented or not with 0.1% MOS. After an adaptation period, total faeces and urine were collected for a period of 6–7 days. Pigs were then euthanatised and digesta from ileum and caecum were collected. Apparent digestibility was calculated in ileum and caecum using titanium dioxide. The organic mineral supplement improved total (faecal) digestibility and retained/ingested ratio of Cu (p < 0.05) while reducing apparent digestibility of Zn in the ileum (p < 0.05) without effect on total digestibility of Zn. Solubilities of Cu and Zn in liquid fraction of ileum and caecum were not affected by mineral sources. Although MOS supplement increased Cu solubility in the ileum (p < 0.05), it had no effect on digestibility of Zn and Cu in ileum, caecum and faeces, retained/ingested ratio of Zn and Cu, or pH and volatile fatty acid concentration in ileal and caecal digesta. In conclusion, organic mineral supplement improved total digestibility and retained/ingested ratio of Cu in pigs but this cannot be attributed to its solubility in ileal and caecal digesta. The MOS supplement did not interfere with digestibility or dietary utilisation of Zn and Cu in pigs fed above the Zn and Cu requirements.

Effect of Supplementation of Organic Zinc on the Performance of Broiler Breeders

Two hundred and sixty four broiler breeder hens of 33 weeks of age were distributed randomly in four dietary treatments with three replicate containing 22 birds. The dietary treatments included broiler breeder control ration containing 40 ppm zinc (T0) or the control ration supplemented with organic zinc (zinc methionine) at 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) ppm levels. The experiment was continued from 33 to 48 weeks of age. Daily eggs production, BW and hatchability were recorded. At 48 weeks, serum biochemical and tibia bone parameters were assessed. The periodical hen day egg production in all the treated groups did not differ significantly (P<0.05) from 33 to 44 weeks of age but during 45–48 weeks of age the hen day egg production of the group T1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than all other groups. The overall hen day egg production of the broiler breeders from 33 to 48 weeks did not differ (P>0.05) among all the treated groups. The FCR of different treatments did not differ significantly from 33 to 44 weeks of age but during 45–48 weeks, the FCR of T1 was significantly (P<0.05) better than other treated groups. The overall FCR of the entire experimental period (33–48 weeks of age), was without variations (P>0.05). The overall BW change, did not differ significantly among the treatments. The overall (3348 weeks) fertility percent and hatchability percent (on fertile egg set basis) of all the groups of broiler breeder were almost similar but the hatchability percent on total egg set basis of T2 and T3 groups was significantly higher as compared to T0 and T1. Except, serum levels of total protein, urea, alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, all other studied biochemical parameters did not differ significantly. There were no variations in the weight, length and cortex thickness of tibia including ash, calcium and phosphorus concentrations among the treatments. This experiment revealed that zinc methionine supplementation at 40 ppm level in broiler breeder ration had no consistent effect on egg production of the birds but improved hatchability on total egg set basis.

Effect of inorganic and organic zinc and copper supplementation on performance, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and blood biochemistry of kids

Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of inorganic and organic zinc and copper supplementation on intake, nutrient utilization, performance, feed efficiency and hemato, blood biochemicals of kids. Barbari male kids(60) were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Control group of kids were supplemented inorganic Zn and Cu (iZniCu), one group had organic Zn and Cu (OrZn-OrCu), while other groups had either inorganic Zn and organic Cu (iZnOrCu), or organic Zn and inorganic Cu (OrZn-iCu). Organic minerals were provided at 0.75 of their inorganic level. Growth, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency was similar in either form or combinations of Cu and Zn supplementation. The kids during 150 days of experimental feeding had live weight gain 8.6 to 8.8 kg and average daily gain 57.0 to 58.8 g. Kids consumed feed dry matter 618 to 710 g/d, which accounted 2.96 to 3.47% of live weight, with feed conversion ratio (kg feed/ kg gain) of 10.4 to 10.6 kg. Intake and digestibility of OM, CP and NDF were also similar among 4 groups. All kids had positive and similar N balance, which ranged from 8.1 to 9.9 g/d. Growing Barbari kids under present feeding protocol consumed 567 g feed and 14.3g nitrogen to have 59 g daily gain. Rumen fermentation characteristics studied at 4 h post feeding revealed that total volatile fatty acid contents were similar among 4 groups, whereas rumen fluid pH was lower and NH3-N was higher in OrCu and iZn fed, and TCA- ppt-protien was lower in OrCu and OrZn fed kids. Supplementation of organic Zn and Cu improved blood hemoglobin. Red and white blood corpuscles (WBC) counts were similar amongst 4 groups, but WBC decreased linearly with progress in feeding period. The lymphocytes, granulocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were similar. Kids fed OrCu and OrZn had lower protein, globulin and blood urea nitrogen content. Plasma Zn and Cu contents did not change, while plasma Fe content reduced in OrZn and Cu supplemented kids. It is concluded that kids may be fed diets with OrZn and Cu at 25% lower level than the required inorganic Zn and Cu during active growth phase without compromising performance. The combination of OrCu and iZn tended to promote feed DM intake per unit BW, reduced rumen fluid pH, and increased NH3-N level.

Organic zinc supplementation in the dry season in nelore bulls and its effect on spermiogram

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diet supplementation with 500mg organic zinc (Zn) on sperm morphological characteristics (mass motility, individual motility, and sperm livability) as well as minor and major sperm defects in Nelore bulls during the dry season of 2010, the pluviometric precipitation during the experimental period which occurred from April to October, was 69mm from April to August. Thirty-six bulls were selected and divided into two groups of 18 bulls. They were fed the supplemented diet for 180 days. The animals in the first group (G1) were supplemented with an average of 48,89ppm/kg MS Zn, and the animals in the second group (G2) were supplemented with 115,09ppm/ kg DM Zn. Data was analyzed with Minitab 13.0. The results of the morphological characteristic of sperm G1 and G2 were higher at 180 days compared to Day zero, especially in vigor and mass motility, with only statistically significant difference in each group, not differentiating between groups. The organic zinc did not affect the morphological characteristic of sperm in Nellore bulls in the dry season.

A double-blind block randomized clinical trial on the effect of zinc as a treatment for diarrhea in neonatal Holstein calves under natural challenge conditions

Diarrhea is the leading cause of death in neonatal calves and contributes to major economic losses. The objective of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of oral inorganic or organic zinc supplementation as a treatment for neonatal diarrhea in calves. Seventy nine 1 to 8 day old male Holstein calves on a California calf ranch were block randomized to one of 3 treatments within 24h from their first onset of diarrhea. Calves received a daily dose of either a placebo composed of 80mg of zinc-free powder, 381.54mg of zinc methionine (Met) (equivalent to 80mg of zinc), or 99.69mg of zinc oxide (ZO) (equivalent to 80mg of zinc) in 2L of a zinc-free oral rehydration solution (ORS). Calves were treated once daily until normal fecal consistency or for a maximum of 14 days. Upon enrollment and exit, calves were weighed, and blood, feces, and liver biopsies were collected for trace mineral analysis. Fecal samples at enrollment and exit were tested for E. coli K99, Cryptosporidium spp., rotavirus and coronavirus. Pre-treatment liver zinc concentrations for the 71 calves in the placebo, zinc Met, and ZO treatment groups were 710.6 (SEM=147.7), 852.3 (SEM=129.6), and 750.7 (SEM=202.9)mg/kg dry weight (DW), respectively. Exit liver zinc concentrations for the calves in the placebo, zinc Met, and ZO treatment groups were 728.9 (SEM=182.9), 1141.0 (SEM=423.8), and 636.8 (SEM=81.5)mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Although statistically non-significant, there were clinically important findings identified for each of zinc Met and ZO treatments. Calves treated with zinc Met gained on average 40g/day during a diarrhea episode compared to a weight loss of 67g/day on average in the placebo-treated calves (Power 19.9%). Calves treated with ZO had 1.4 times higher hazard of clinical cure compared to calves in the placebo group (Power 5.3%). Calves that were fecal positive to cryptosporidium spp. at enrollment and treated with zinc Met had higher odds of testing negative at exit compared to placebo calves (Odds Ratio (OR)=16.0). In contrast, calves treated with ZO tended to recover (fecal score=1) one day earlier compared to calves treated with a placebo (8.5 d vs. 9.7 d). The current trial identified clinically important findings that warrant further research to investigate zinc's therapeutic effect for calf diarrhea.

Comparison of chelated zinc and zinc sulfate as zinc sources for growth and immune response of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Zinc methionine (ZnMet), zinc lysine (ZnLys), zinc glycine (ZnGly) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4·H2O) were evaluated as dietary zinc sources for Litopenaeus vannamei. Three Zn–amino acid complexes with a molar amino acid to Zn ratio of 2:1 were compared to Zn sulfate using a casein-based purified diet. Five groups with four replicates of shrimps (mean weight 0.72±0.02g) were given a basal diet either unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with 30mgZnkg−1 sulfate (ZnSO4·H2O) or the organic sources respectively, for 12weeks. Results showed that the source of Zn affects shrimp growth, survival and immune parameters. Shrimp fed diets with organic zinc supplementation produced significantly higher growth, survival and immune parameters than ZnSO4 treatment. Shrimp supplemented with ZnMet had the highest weight gain and immune parameters. However, there were no significant differences in weight gain, survival, total hemocyte counts, phagocytotic activity, PO, AKP and SOD between the ZnLys and ZnGly groups. Results suggest that Zn from ZnMet was a better source than the other zinc forms.

Effect of Sex and Dietary Organic Zinc on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Tissue Mineral Content, and Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens

Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral for animal development and function. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sex and dietary organic zinc (OZ) on growth performance, carcass traits, tissue mineral content, and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old male and 240 female broiler chicks (Cobb × Cobb) were assigned to two dietary levels of OZ (2 × 2 factorial) with six replicates per treatment (20 birds/replicate pen). The OZ supplementation levels were 0 and 25 ppm. Results showed that OZ supplementation did not affect the growth performance of male and female broilers, but the males showed significantly better (P < 0.05) growth performance than females did. Similarly, OZ supplementation did not affect the thickness of both the back and thigh skin of male and female broilers; however, males had thicker skin than females. Dietary OZ supplementation did not affect collagen contents in the skin and meat samples. Male broilers had higher skin collagen contents than females, but no sex difference was found in meat collagen contents. OZ supplementation did not affect the shear force values of skin and meat samples. Male broilers had higher shear force values of back skin than females, but not in the meat samples. Dietary OZ supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the thigh meat Zn content in both sexes. The plasma Ca content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by dietary OZ supplementation; however, other blood parameters were not affected by dietary OZ supplementation. Males had higher plasma glucose and cholesterol content than females. It is concluded that dietary OZ supplementation at the level of 25 ppm does not affect the growth performance and skin quality of broiler chickens but increases the Zn content in thigh meat and Ca content in plasma of broiler chickens. Male broilers had better growth performance and skin quality than females.