Organic Zn Research Articles

Zinc source modulates zootechnical characteristics, intestinal features, humoral response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broilers.

The current experiment was performed to find the potential effect of inorganic and organic forms of zinc (Zn) on growth, intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broiler. In this experiment, a total of 450 broiler chickens were assigned to four experimental and control groups. The birds received organic Zn at the rate of 50mg/kg (OZ-50) and 60mg/kg (OZ-60) or inorganic Zn at the rate of 50mg/kg (IZ-50) and 60mg/kg (IZ-60) for an experimental period of 30days. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed consumption, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor (PEF) were recorded in OZ-50. Similarly, antibody titer against infectious bronchitis (IB) and PON1 activity was higher (P < 0.05) in OZ-50 compared with the control group. In addition, significantly (P < 0.05) higher villus dimensions and goblet cell count were recorded for the group OZ-50 compared with other treatments. It was concluded that the organic form of Zn was superior in improving the growth, histological features of intestines, humoral response, and PON1 activity in broiler.

The Effects of Partially or Completely Substituted Dietary Zinc Sulfate by Lower Levels of Zinc Methionine on Growth Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility, Immune Function, and Visceral Indices in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryThis study was conducted to assess the effects of five diets with different doses and sources of zinc (Zn) on the growth performance (average daily gain, average daily food intake and gain to feed ratio), apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, serum metabolites and immune functions of weaned piglets. The control diet contained 100 mg/kg inorganic Zn from ZnSO4. The total dose of Zn in experimental diets was lower than that of the control diet, and the inorganic Zn from ZnSO4 was gradually replaced by organic Zn from ZnMet. Therefore, the experimental diets were a basal diet containing 75 + 12.5, 50 + 25, 25 + 37.5, and 0 + 50 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively. No differences were observed in growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites. However, Zinc digestibility and parameters relating to body immune functions were improved when at least 50 mg of inorganic Zn was replaced by organic Zn. Thus supplementing 50 mg of inorganic Zn from ZnSO4 plus 25 mg of organic Zn from ZnMet to piglets would be the best strategy to benefit the immune system and maintain growth performance under the conditions of the current study.The study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) with a lower level of zinc methionine (ZnMet) on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, serum metabolites and immune functions of weaned piglets. Thirty-five weaned Duroc × Landrace × Large White male piglets (10.69 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly allotted to five diets. The control diet was supplemented with 100 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO4, and experimental diets included 75 + 12.5, 50 + 25, 25 + 37.5, and 0 + 50 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively. The results showed that no differences were observed in growth performance, ATTD of nutrients and serum metabolites among treatments, while serum white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, IgM contents and spleen index were higher (p < 0.01) in piglets fed with 50 + 25 mg/kg of Zn. Zinc digestibility (p < 0.05), IgA content (p < 0.001) and thymus index (p < 0.05) were increased when at least 50% of ZnSO4 was replaced by ZnMet. All the results indicated that using a lower level of ZnMet in weaned piglet’s diet instead of ZnSO4 had no adverse impacts on ATTD of nutrients and serum metabolites; and a 50 + 25 mg/kg of Zn (from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively) diet showed the best advantages for parameters relating to immune functions.

Zinc source modulates intestinal inflammation and intestinal integrity of broiler chickens challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens

Two dietary sources of zinc (ZnSO4 or organic Zn) were tested in chickens challenged with coccidiosis (Co) or coccidiosis plus Clostridium perfringens (CoCPF). On day 14, the chickens were orally gavaged with ∼5,000 Eimeria maxima sporulated oocysts. On day 19, 20, and 21 chickens challenged with C. perfringens were given a broth culture containing 108 cfu of this bacterium. Productive performance parameters were determined at d 14, 21, and 28. On day 21, necrotic enteritis (NE) lesions were scored, and intestinal permeability was evaluated. Jejunum and cecal tonsils were collected for morphology and gene expression analysis. On day 21, organic Zn improved BW gain by 18.6% (P = 0.07), and FCR by 12% (P = 0.09) in CoCPF challenged chickens vs. birds fed ZnSO4. From 1 to 28, organic Zn increased BW gain (P = 0.02), and improved FCR (P = 0.03) vs. birds fed ZnSO4. At 21 d, NE lesions were only observed in CoCPF birds (P < 0.001), and mortality due to NE was only observed when CoCPF birds were fed ZnSO4 (P = 0.001). Organic Zn fed birds had increased villus height in the jejunum (P = 0.005) and decreased intestinal permeability (P = 0.01) vs. ZnSO4. In the jejunum, organic Zn fed birds showed a downregulation of expression of IL-8 (P = 0.02), and upregulation of IL-10 (P = 0.05) in CoCPF birds vs. ZnSO4- CoCPF birds. As main effect, birds supplemented with organic Zn had higher mRNA expression of TLR-2 (P = 0.02) and IgA (P = 0.01). In the cecal tonsils, organic Zn fed birds showed upregulation of iNOS (P = 0.008) in CoCPF birds vs. ZnSO4-CoCPF birds. Organic Zn supplementation reduced intestinal permeability and attenuated intestinal inflammation of broilers co-challenged with coccidia and C. perfringens.

Dietary Zinc Supplementation from Organic and Inorganic Sources Induce Differential Intestinal Gene Expression in Swine

BackgroundZinc (Zn) is an essential mineral supplemented to animal diets from organic (bound to organic compounds) and inorganic sources (inorganic salts). Diets supplemented with organic Zn result in better animal performance than inorganic sources especially under challenges like heat stress. The mechanisms by which sources of Zn differ in their physiological effects are unknown. A study in piglets showed that organic Zn sources increase mRNA expression of Zn transporters compared to inorganic Zn. A cell line study demonstrated that amino acid‐bound Zn can be absorbed by amino acid transporters, increasing Zn bioavailability in a model of acrodermatitis enteropathica. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo models to test the hypothesis that intestinal luminal exposure to organic and inorganic Zn sources differentially affects nutrient absorption and transport in the intestine.MethodsForty‐five pigs (body weight = 77.5 ± 2.5 kg) were allocated to pens (9 pigs/pen) and randomly assigned to five different diets: a corn‐soybean meal basal diet without added Zn (control diet), or control diet supplemented with 50 ppm (low) and 100 ppm (high) of ZnCl2 and amino acid‐bound Zn (LQ, Zinpro Corp.) as inorganic and organic sources respectively. After 32 days, ileum samples were collected and RNA was extracted for RNAseq analysis. To define if responses to Zn are due to luminal or basal signaling, mouse enteroids were microinjected with 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 1000 ppm of either ZnCl2 or LQ‐Zn to model luminal exposure or Zn sources were added to the media to identify changes induced by circulating Zn. Enteroid gene expression of relevant genes was measured by qPCR.ResultsCompared to control diet, ZIP4 expression was increased by high and low LQ‐Zn and high ZnCl2, while low ZnCl2 induced ZIP10 expression. High ZnCl2 diet induced expression of SLC2A6 (GLUT6) compared with control. Comparison of inorganic to organic Zn sources showed 292 differentially expressed genes (DEG's) between low ZnCl2 (n=8) and low LQ‐Zn (n=9) and 370 DEG's between high ZnCl2 (n=8) and high LQ‐Zn (n=8). Of note, phospholipase A2 expression was repressed by high ZnCl2 compared to high LQ‐Zn. Aminopeptidase‐N, metallothionein‐1A (MT1), vitamin D 25‐ hydroxylase, interleukin 33 and epidermal growth factor receptor substrate 15‐like 1 genes showed higher expression induced by ZnCl2 compared to LQ‐Zn. Enteroids luminally exposed to ZnCl2 showed increased expression of metallothionein, Sglt1 and amino acid transporter Pept1. Both ZnCl2 and LQ‐Zn increased the expression of zinc transporter Zip7 in the enteroids. Zn in the enteroid media increased the expression of Glut2, ZnT1 and Mt1, and decreased the expression of Sglt1, Pept1 and Zip 4 compared with no additional Zn. However, no differences were found between ZnCl2 and LQ‐Zn treatments.ConclusionsOur results suggest that Zn supplementation modulates the intestinal expression of nutrients and Zn transporters. Findings in our enteroid experiment suggest that the changes are dependent on the source of Zn only when Zn is supplemented luminally. Overall, our findings provide information on the potential mechanisms by which Zn sources can affect animal performance and health.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Organic Zn and Cu interaction impact on sexual behaviour, semen characteristics, hormones and spermatozoal gene expression in bucks (Capra hircus)

The reproductive performance during the transition from prepubertal to pubertal stage was evaluated in Osmanabadi breed bucks supplemented with organic Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu). A total number of 40 bucks aged 20 weeks were randomly assigned to 10 groups (each n = 4). The control group was maintained with basal diet, without any additional mineral supplementation. The treatment groups were supplemented with graded doses of organic Zn (Zn 20 mg, Zn 40 mg and Zn 60 mg), Cu (Cu 12.5 mg, Cu 25 mg and Cu 37.5 mg) and a combination of Zn + Cu (Zn 20 mg + Cu 12.5 mg, Zn 40 mg + Cu 25 mg and Zn 60 mg + Cu 37.5 mg), respectively for a period of 26 weeks (up to the age of 46 weeks). Sexual behaviour and scrotal biometry were recorded periodically. Blood and semen samples were collected and processed for LH estimation in blood plasma, and testosterone, T3 and T4 hormones in the seminal plasma. The mounts with ejaculation were observed earlier (P < 0.05) in the treatment bucks (from 38th week of age) than the control group (43rd week onwards). A positive correlation was observed between blood plasma LH and testosterone with total mounts (r = 0.31, P < 0.05; r = 0.51, P < 0.01) and mounts without ejaculation (r = 0.40, P < 0.01; r = 0.52, P < 0.01). A negative correlation between T4 with sperm number per ejaculation (r = −0.31, P < 0.05) and sperm concentration (r = −0.35, P < 0.05) had been noticed. Different doses of minerals showed positive interaction (P < 0.05) with sperm functional and behavioural characteristics. The spermatozoal gene expression of ODF2 and ZCCHC6 were significantly influenced by the mineral supplementation in all doses. The ZCCHC6 gene expression was positively correlated with testosterone (r = 0.50, P < 0.001) and sperm number per ejaculation (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), and ODF2 gene with T3 hormone (r = 0.34, P < 0.05). The present study indicates that the diet supplemented with organic trace minerals cause intense sexual behaviour, enhancement in sperm number per ejaculate, total motility, spermatozoal genes expression and altered LH, testosterone and T4 hormones.

Zinc source influences the gene expression of zinc transporters in jejunum and cecal tonsils during broiler challenge with Eimeria maximaand Clostridium perfringens

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary zinc (Zn) source on gene expression of Zn transporters (metallothionein [MT], ZIP 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14, and ZnT 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10) in the jejunum and cecal tonsils of broilers challenged with coccidia or coccidia plus Clostridium perfringens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used with 2 Zn sources (90mg Zn/kg from either ZnSO4 or an organic Zn, Bioplex® Zn) and challenged with approximately 5,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima at 14 d of age with or without C. perfringens (108 CFU/bird) at 18, 19, and 20 d of age (8 pens per treatment and 8 birds per pen) after which 1 bird/pen was sampled at 21 d of age. In the jejunum, co-infection resulted in higher ZnT 5 and 6 gene expression, while organic Zn fed birds had lower ZIP 5 and 11, and higher ZnT1. Additionally, an interaction of challenge by Zn source was noted wherein ZnT10 was unaffected by the C. perfringens in the organic Zn treatment but was 2.7-fold lower in the co-infected ZnSO4 fed birds. S100A9 gene expression, a biomarker of inflammatory response in necrotic enteritis, increased 2 and 2.8-fold in the cecal tonsils and jejunum with the co-infection, respectively. Supplementation with organic Zn lowered S100A9 by 1.9 and 4.4-fold in the cecal tonsils and jejunum, respectively, when birds were supplemented with ZnSO4. Notably, MT, ZIP 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, or 14, and ZnT 4, 7, and 9 were unaffected by Zn source and/or method of challenge. An interaction of challenge by Zn source was also noted for serum Zn concentration, which was reduced when birds were challenged with C. perfringens and fed ZnSO4 but no difference between challenge method when birds were fed organic Zn. Based on the expression of ZnT and ZIP genes, more Zn trafficking due to treatment occured in the jejunum than cecal tonsils, but further studies are needed to ascertain how Zn source regulates intracellular free Zn concentrations and whole-body Zn status during an enteric challenge.

The Role of Zinc in Poultry Breeder and Hen Nutrition: an Update.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral in breeder hen diets and functions in diverse physiological processes, including reproduction, immunity, antioxidant ability, and epigenetic processes. In this paper, five main aspects of Zn nutrition in poultry breeder birds and hens, including semen quality, molting, egg production and egg quality, hatchability and embryonic development, and offspring performance, are reviewed. Zn deficiency in poultry breeder birds led to lower semen quality (reducing around 10% sperm motility) and egg production (lowering 3-10g/day/bird egg mass) as well as poor offspring development and growth performance (increasing 9-10% weak chick ratio and 10% mortality of progeny). Adequate maternal or higher Zn supplementation was adopted not only to induce molting with a greater postmolt performance (rising 4-7% laying rate) but also to enhance progeny immune response and antioxidant ability via epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, it is necessary to reevaluate the optimal Zn requirement for egg production as well as the embryonic development and offspring chick performance of breeder hens. In the last 10years, greater attention has been focused on the effectiveness of organic Zn for improving the reproductive performance of breeders and progeny viability and immune status. In fact, organic Zn sources are not always beneficial to the above aspects. So far, it has been very important to know the exact mechanisms of greater bioavailability and the epigenetic role of organic Zn sources in the augmentation of immune status and antioxidant abilities in poultry breeder birds and offspring. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of these key points will not only aid in maintaining the beneficial effects of Zn nutrition for breeders and their progeny under stable conditions but will also support birds under stressful conditions such as disease as well as provide a better understanding of the integrated nutrition of breeder-offspring.

Effects of organic zinc on tibia quality, mineral deposit, and metallothionein expression level of aged hens

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to determine the effects of methionine hydroxy analog chelate zinc on the tibia quality, mineral deposit, apparent retention of nutrients, and liver metallothionein (MT) expression level of aged laying hens. A total of 960 layers (Hy-Line Grey, 57 wk old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups, and each group had 8 replicates of 30 hens. During the first 2 wk, groups were fed a basal diet without extra zinc (Zn: 35.08 mg/kg). During the ensuing 14 wk, 4 levels of Zn (inorganic Zn: 80 mg/kg; organic Zn: 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were added to the diet. The results indicated that both the Zn source and level did influence tibia strength and calcium (Ca) and Zn concentrations of tibia (P < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in the copper (Cu) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of the tibia and the tibia length (P > 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn showed higher Zn and Ca concentrations in the tibia and higher tibia strength. The Cu concentration in the liver showed no difference among the 4 treatments, whereas the Zn concentration in the liver increased with the increasing Zn level. The apparent retention of P, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) was not affected by the Zn level or source (P > 0.05). However, the organic Zn group increased the apparent retention of Cu, Zn, Ca, crude protein (CP), and energy, and the group supplemented with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn obtained significant effects (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg organic Zn increased the MT mRNA expression of the liver at week 72, whereas 20 mg/kg of organic Zn decreased it (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggested that an optimum dietary (40 mg/kg) organic Zn level plays a key role in promoting the apparent retention of minerals and nutrients, trace element deposit, and MT mRNA expression.

Field Study on Growth Performance of Pre-Weaned Stall Fed Local Kids Supplemented with Organic Zinc

Small ruminants especially goat plays an important economic and sustainable income to the Indian farming community especially small, marginal and landless labourers in the country. Wants of human been raising to meet the food requirements of the increasing population. But in the other side the nutritional status of these animals plays a vital role in their production performances. Among the essential micronutrients Zinc influences metabolism, immune system and overall health condition, deficiency of which can result in growth retardation, and other health related problems leading to huge economic losses. Hence the current study was carried out to assess the effect of organic Zn supplementation on growth rate of pre-weaned stall fed local kids. Twelve twin local kids of one week age were divided in to two equal groups of six in each group (Control and Treatment) with the average body weights of 2.20±0.01kg (Control) and 2.16±0.03 kg (Treatment). The Control group animals were allowed to suckle mother during first three weeks of study. Then along with suckling, they were provided with tree leaves (Neem and Sesbania), horse gram and chopped fodder maize till the completion of study. Whereas, the animals in Treatment group were also offered same diet as that of control group, additionally these group was supplemented with organic Zn (Zn acetate) @ 1 mg/kg body weight. Weekly body weight of both groups was recorded for 10 weeks and the data so collected was analyzed statistically. The results showed that the Average Daily Gain (ADG) (g) of kids supplemented with organic Zn was higher (89.73 ± 0.57) than the control (44.38 ± 1.23). This shows that the supplementation of Zinc in the form of Zinc acetate has a significant influence on growth and development of kids; hence study recommends the supplementation of zinc for young small ruminants mainly kids.

Survey on heavy metal concentrations and maturity indices of organic fertilizer in China

A nationwide survey of organic fertilizer was carried out in China, and 263 samples were collected to be analyzed for maturity indices (moisture content (MC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), E4/E6, and germination index (GI)) and 7 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, As and Ni). The MC, pH, EC, E4/E6 and GI showed large variations among the organic fertilizer samples with ranges of 6.9%-66.68%, 4.40-9.19, 0.76-13.38 mS/cm, 1.07-9.40, and 10%-150%, respectively. The concentrations of 7 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni) were also with large variations at 7.53-580.4, 0-2818, 0.02-149.3, 0 (not detected)-1321, 0.14-26.9, 3.70-1237, and 0 (not detected)-214.6 mg/kg dry weight. Compared with the limit values of the Chinese standard for organic fertilizers (NY525-2012), 9.51%, 73.4%, 3.19%, and 3.04% of the samples exceeded the limit values of Cd, Pb, As and Cr, respectively. No limits have been set for Cu, Zn and Ni in China, and 35.0%, 13.3% and 16.7% of the samples exceeded the Cu, Zn and Ni limits for composts in Germany, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that with the continuous application of organic fertilizer, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr would accumulate to the risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land (GB15618-2018) within a relatively short period. It is urgent to establish suitable limits of heavy metals in organic fertilizer in China to control the risk of heavy metal pollution in agricultural land. Keywords: heavy metal, organic fertilizer, risk assessment, maturity indices DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181106.4671 Citation: Zhang X, Meng H B, Shen Y J, Li J, Wang J R, Zhou H B, et al. Survey on heavy metal concentrations and maturity indices of organic fertilizer in China. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(6): 172–179.

Relationship of organic mineral supplementation and spermatozoa/white blood cells mRNA in goats

The antioxidant properties and the protective role of organic zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in white blood cells (WBCs) and spermatozoa were analyzed through quantification of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) and correlations were determined with sperm functional characteristics in Osmanabadi bucks. Bucks (aged 5 months; n = 40) were divided into ten groups, and the dietary treatments comprised of a control and nine treatment groups as follows: organic Zn as Zn 20, Zn 40 and Zn 60, organic Cu as Cu 12.5, Cu 25, Cu 37.5 and combined organic Zn and Cu as Zn 20+Cu 12.5, Zn 40+Cu 25, Zn 60+Cu 37.5, respectively per kg dry matter for a period of 8 months. The blood (120 and 240 days) and semen (240 days: 40 × 4 = 160) samples were collected from 40 bucks. In WBCs: the relative abundance of mRNA for SOD1, CAT, GPx4, NFE2L2 was greater (P < 0.05) in (120 and 240 days) in majority of the mineral supplemented animals. In spermatozoa: the relative abundance of SOD1, NFE2L2, GPx4 and CAT mRNA was greater (P < 0.05) in selected treatment groups. The abundance of SOD1 mRNA in WBCs was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with sperm mass motility (r = 0.692, P = 0.027). The abundance of GPx4 mRNA was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with type A sperm (straightness; STR) > 85% and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) > 2.5 μm/ s) (r = −0.711, P = 0.021) and (P < 0.05) positively correlated with sperm viability (r = 0.669, P = 0.035). Organic Zn and Cu supplementation was associated with an increase in the expression of antioxidant defense enzyme genes in bucks.

Influence of dietary zinc on the claw and interdigital skin of sheep

Claw diseases like interdigital dermatitis and footrot threaten sheep health and are major welfare issues. Several studies mainly done in cattle suggested that zinc (Zn) supplementation may improve claw integrity. However, Zn supplements may differ markedly regarding Zn bioavailability. Zn bound to single amino acids has been shown to be more bioavailable than inorganic Zn sources. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different Zn supplements on the integrity of the claw and interdigital skin of healthy sheep. At weaning 30 Merino lambs were randomly allocated to three different dietary treatments which were provided through the pelleted concentrates as follows: 1) no supplemental Zn (Zn0); 2) addition of 40 mg/kg Zn as Zn sulphate (ZnS); 3) addition of 40 mg/kg organic Zn as Zn amino acid complex (CZn). Barley straw and pelleted concentrates were given ad-libitum. The calculated Zn concentration of the total diet (roughage and concentrate) without supplemental Zn (Zn0) was 38 mg Zn/kg DM. The concentrates were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for growing lambs and contained 207 g/kg DM crude protein and 12.4 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy. After 8 weeks the lambs were slaughtered and the following specimens were collected: blood serum, liver, sole and coronary band of the claw, and interdigital skin. Serum and tissue Zn and copper (Cu) concentrations and claw hardness were determined. Routine pathohistology and electron microscopy were conducted. Franz diffusion cell system and Ki-67 immunostaining were used to determine the permeability of the interdigital skin and the keratinocyte proliferation in the basal layer of sole horn, coronary band and interdigital skin, respectively. The concentrations of Zn and Cu in serum and liver tissue as well as the Zn concentration in claw horn were not affected by dietary treatment. Zn0 lambs showed higher (p < 0.05) Cu concentrations in claw horn compared to both Zn supplemented groups. Routine pathohistology as well as electron microscopy did not show significant morphological differences between the three groups. Franz diffusion cell system proved to be a suitable method examining the interdigital skin permeability, but the group differences in this study were not significant. Dietary treatment did not affect keratinocyte proliferation in the coronary band. In the sole keratinocyte proliferation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Zn0 group compared to CZn with ZnS being intermediate. Keratinocyte proliferation in the interdigital skin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CZn group compared to the Zn0 with ZnS being intermediate. The results of the current experiment indicate that serum and tissue Zn concentrations and horn hardness are not affected by adding a moderate amount of Zn sulphate or Zn amino acid complex to a basal diet. However, supplemental Zn amino acid complex seems to affect keratinocyte proliferation of interdigital skin and sole horn of lambs. Effects on skin permeability should be retested using a higher number of animals prospectively.

Effect of Different Sources of Supplemental Zinc on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Lambs.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element in the growth of all animals and plays structural and catalytic roles in many enzymes and functional proteins. Two completely randomized trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of different sources of zinc on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood mineral profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in male growing lambs on a barley-based diet. The first trial was conducted for 70days and consisted of 30 lambs (30.8 ± 2.8kg mean body weight, 4-5months of age) which were randomly allocated to five treatments consisting of a basal diet (19.72mg Zn/kg DM), or the basal diet supplemented with 30mg Zn/kg DM, added as either zinc-sulfate (ZnSulf; inorganic), zinc-methionine (ZnMet), zinc-proteinate (ZnProt) or zinc-glycinate (ZnGly). For the second trial, to measure the effects of dietary Zn on nutrient digestibility, four lambs from each group of the first experiment were randomly allocated to individual digestibility cages for 12days (first 7days as an adaptation period followed by 5days of sample collection). Among the groups, dietary Zn supplementation above basal level significantly improved average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed/gain ratio, and superoxide dismutase activity of red blood cells (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity of lambs supplemented with organic Zn was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than inorganic and control groups. At the end of the trial, the concentration of plasma Zn, tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and the activity of alkaline phosphatase was increased (P < 0.05) in all groups receiving Zn as compared with controls (P < 0.05). In addition, thyroxine level in animals supplemented with Zn-methionine and Zn-proteinate was greater than in animals receiving Zn-glycine and Zn-sulfate. The results of the second trial revealed that the supplementation with Zn-methionine and Zn-proteinate increased the digestibility of crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to groups supplemented with Zn sulfate and control (P < 0.05). All organic sources of Zn improved organic matter (OM) digestibility compared to inorganic and control (P < 0.05). Results indicated that, regardless of source, supplementation of Zn in growing lambs improved growth performance, blood antioxidants, and thyroid hormone levels. Furthermore, Zn-methionine and Zn-proteinate supplementation appeared to improve the digestibility of CP, OM, and ADF more effectively than Zn-sulfate.

Positive effect of organic zinc supplementation on the persistence of anti-rabies neutralizing antibodies in healthy sheep

The main prophylactic tool to control rabies in herbivores is the systematic vaccination of susceptible animals. This study aimed to evaluate the positive effect of organic zinc (Zn) supplementation on the persistence of anti-rabies neutralizing antibodies in healthy sheep. A total of 36 Texel ewes were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 animals each. The treated group (TG) received organic Zn supplementation for 90 days, and after this period, 2 doses of rabies vaccine with a 30-day interval. The control group (CG) received the vaccine doses only and was not supplemented with organic Zn. Blood samples were collected before the first vaccination and 30, 60, and 90 days after vaccination, to determine the anti-rabies neutralizing antibody titer using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). The average values of anti-rabies serum-neutralizing antibodies 30 days after the first dose were 1.33 ± 0.62 IU mL-1 for the CG and 1.57 ± 0.80 IU mL-1 for the TG; 60 days after the second dose the average values were 7.60 ± 7.08 IU mL-1 and 12.97 ± 9.46 IU mL-1 for the CG and TG, respectively, with a significant difference between groups. The TG presented 100% vaccine coverage of the primary vaccination, whereas the CG presented 89.47% coverage. Oral supplementation with 75 mg organic Zn significantly increased the persistence of anti-rabies antibody titers in sheep, and it improved the vaccine coverage of the primary vaccination.

Long-term impact of zinc supplementation in sows: Impact on zinc status biomarkers and performance

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term impact of zinc (Zn) supplementation on performance and Zn status biomarkers in sows and on whether this possible impact depends on housing conditions. Materials and methods: Six groups of sows were allotted to group housing on two different floor types during gestation. Within each group, sows were randomly allocated to one of three diets varying in the amount of Zn supplemented (0, 50, or 100 mg added Zn per kg diet; 50% ZnO:50% organic Zn) to a basal diet containing 46.6 and 128.9 mg Zn per kg during gestation and lactation, respectively. Blood was collected at days 0, 50, 108, and 143 of every cycle and analyzed for plasma Zn and copper and serum metallothionein (MT) concentrations. After slaughter, mineral concentrations of metacarpals, liver, and abaxial horn wall were determined. Results: Dietary Zn supplementation beyond basal dietary Zn concentrations did not influence serum MT concentrations (P = .77) and Zn concentrations in blood plasma (P = .13), liver (P = .54), bone (P = .26), and horn wall (P = .39). The 100-mg Zn per kg supplemented sows had lower bodyweight, body condition score, and backfat thickness (P &lt; .001). The lack of impact of Zn supplementation may have been (partly) attributed to the unexpected high supply of Zn through premix in the lactation diet. Implications: Under these study conditions, commercially grown sows might not need Zn supplementation during gestation when their basal diet contains Zn with phytase.

Supplementation of inorganic and organic zinc mixtures in feed of Boerka goats fed by oil palm fronds

Zinc is an element of many enzymes and hormones having very important physiological functions in the body so that it influences the production and reproduction of animals including the activity of the rumen microflora in degrading fiber in a diet. The aim of this study was to improve the performances of goats offered oil palm fronds based diets through the supplementation of 35 ppm of Zn in the form of inorganic (ZnO) and organic zinc (Zn-methionine). Thirty mature male crossing Boer x Kacang (Boerka) goats were divided into five groups and randomly allocated to one of the five feed treatments as follows: P1: complete feed based on the palm oil fronds (Control), P2: P1 + 35 ppm Zn (100% Zn0), P3: P1 + 35 ppm Zn (75% Zn0 + 25% Zn-methionine), P4: P1 + 35 ppm Zn (50% Zn0 + 50% Zn-methionine), P5: P1 + 35 ppm Zn (25% Zn0 + 75% Zn-methionine). The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design of six replications. Increasing the proportion of Zn methionine in the mixtures elevated feed consumption, and the highest feed intake was observed in goats received 75% Zn-methionine/25% ZnO. Daily body weight gains was only affected (P&amp;lt;0.05) by the 75% Zn-methionine/25% ZnO supplement. The concentration of Zn in the blood increased significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) when Zn methionine was added and it increased steadily as the proportion of Zn methionine greater in the mixtures, but the VFA compositions of the rumen were not affected (P&amp;gt;0.05) by Zn supplementation. It is concluded that the performances of goat fed complete diets based on the oil palm fronds could be improved by supplementation of inorganic and organic Zn mixture.

Advancement of puberty and enhancement of seminal characteristics by supplementation of trace minerals to bucks

Attainment of puberty in animals is dependent on their age, body weight, nutritional status, genetic and environmental conditions. Nutritionally, organic minerals are suggested to improve semen production, sperm motility and male fertility. In this context, role of organic zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in advancing male puberty and semen characters in Osmanabadi goats were studied. Forty one (n = 41) bucks (Aged 5 months) were divided into ten groups and the dietary treatments comprised of a control group (basal diet; without additional trace mineral supplementation) and nine treatment groups that received, in addition to the basal diet, various doses of trace minerals (mg) on per kg dry matter basis, organic Zn as low Zn20, medium Zn40 and high Zn60, organic Cu as low Cu12.5, medium Cu25, high Cu37.5 and combination of organic Zn + Cu as low Zn20 + Cu12.5, medium Zn40 + Cu25, high Zn60 + Cu37.5, respectively fed for a period of 8 months. Bucks fed organic trace minerals reached puberty 28–35 days earlier than control group. In addition, improvement (P < .01) in testosterone hormone (ng/ml) levels (control: 1.63 ± 0.07 VS Zn60: 2.54 ± 0.02; Cu12.5: 6.17 ± 0.05; Cu25: 3.01 ± 0.04; Cu37.5: 2.39 ± 0.06; Zn20 + Cu12.5: 1.94 ± 0.02; Zn60 + Cu37.5: 2.44 ± 0.16 at 240 days), semen production capacity (sperm concentration, volume, mass motility) and semen quality (higher progressive motility, velocity, sperm membrane integrity and acrosome integrity) were observed in supplemented groups (P < .05) than the control bucks. The present study demonstrated that, additional feeding of organic Zn and Cu to growing male goats advanced onset of puberty and improved quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics. The results also implied that the organic Cu had a significant effect on overall performances of bucks as compared to Zn alone or Zn and Cu in combination.

Organic zinc and copper supplementation on antioxidant protective mechanism and their correlation with sperm functional characteristics in goats.

Trace minerals feeding had significant effects on sperm production and fertility with better absorption and proper utilization within the body for optimum reproductive function. Several studies have shown that more influenced trace elements in the diets of animals are copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Bucks showing deficiency of this mineral might affect the quality of semen production which in turn would affect the fertility. This experiment was thus designed to test the effects of organic Cu and Zn supplementation on antioxidants enzyme activities and sperm functional attributes in fresh semen of bucks. Forty bucks (n=40, Aged 5months) were assigned to ten groups of four animals in each group, supplemented (for a period of 8months) with different levels of organic Zn: 20mg (T2), 40mg (T3) and 60mg (T4), organic Cu: 12.5mg (T5), 25mg (T6), 37.5mg (T7) and combined organic Zn and Cu: 20+12.5mg (T8), 40+25mg (T9), 60+37.5mg (T10), respectively, per kg dry matter and no additional mineral diet (control; T1). One hundred and sixty semen samples were collected through electro-ejaculator and analysed for sperm quantity, quality, acrosome intactness and plasma membrane integrity and correlated with the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities in seminal plasma. The results indicated organic Cu and zinc supplemented bucks produced more sperm cells, had higher sperm concentrations, maintained higher (p<.01) sperm livability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, more motility and velocity. The increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced oxidative stress and lowered lipid peroxidation were positively correlated (p<.05) with the sperm functional attributes. In conclusion, organic Cu and Zn supplement to male goats showed protective roles against oxidative damage and maintained better fresh semen characteristics.

Nutrient Digestibility of Beef Cattle Ration with Total Mixed Fiber Amoniation (TMFA) as Basal Feed and Organic Mineral Supplementation by In Vitro

The research was aimed to obtain the level of organic minerals supplementation with Total mixed fiber Amoniation (TMFA) as basal feeding for the improvement of nutrient digestibility in rumen. Technique of research conducted by In Vitro technique. The method used in this research is a Completely Randomly Designed (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications. P1: 60% amoniation TMF + 0 x Organic macro minerals (Ca, P, and S) NRC (2000) + 15% Swamp Legumes. P2: 60% ammonia TMF + 0.75 x Organic macro minerals (Ca, P, and S) NRC (2000) + 15% Swamp Legum, P3: 60% ammonia TMF + 1 x Organic macro minerals (Ca, P, and S) NRC (2000) + 15% Legum Swamp P4: 60% amoniation TMF + 1.5 x Organic macro minerals (Ca, P, and S) NRC (2000) + 15% Swamp Legum. Each treatment was added with an organic micro-mineral consisting of 40 ppm organic Zn, 10 ppm organic Cu, 0.10 ppm organic Se, and 0.30 ppm organic Cr. The parameters measured in the in-vitro technique were, measurement of nutrient digestibility which consists of dry matter and organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, NDF and ADF. The results showed that organic mineral supplementation had significantly different effect (P <0.05) on nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ADF, NDF). The conclusion of this study was that organic mineral supplementation of Ca, P and S 1.5 times of requirement according to NRC (2000) gave the best results for in vitro nutrient beef digestion with Total mixed fiber ammoniation (TMFA) as basal feed and supplementation of l5% legume swamp (Kemon air). Keywords : Amoniation, total mixed fiber, organic mineral, nutrient digestibility

Cryoprotective role of organic Zn and Cu supplementation in goats (Capra hircus) diet

The current study focused on cryopreservation and assessment of characters of post-thaw semen of indigenous Osmanabadi bucks maintained with standard diet, supplemented with different concentrations of organic zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) or in combination, for a period of 180 days. The different doses of organic Zn and Cu were fed per kg DM basis, Zn groups (low: Zn20, medium: Zn40 and high: Zn60), Cu groups: (low: Cu12.5, medium: Cu25 and high: Cu37.5) and combination of Zn + Cu groups (low: Zn20 + Cu12.5, medium: Zn40 + Cu25 and high: Zn60 + Cu37.5) respectively. The control group bucks were maintained mainly on the basal diet without any additional mineral supplementation. Two hundred and forty (240) semen samples were collected from 40 bucks aged 11 months, through electro ejaculator method, processed and analysed for sperm quality parameters both at pre freeze and post-thaw stage. The semen samples were diluted in Tris egg yolk extender, cooled and equilibrated for 4 h at 5 °C, cryopreserved using programmable freezer (PLANER Kryo 360–1.7) and stored at −196 °C. The organic trace minerals (Zn, Cu and Zn + Cu) protected the spermatozoa against the cryoinjury and maintained higher post-thaw semen parameters except in high Zn group. Additional feeding of organic Cu and Zn to bucks had a protective role and resulted in higher sperm liveability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, motility and velocity and reduced oxidative stress in supplemented goats (P < 0.05).