Zinc Oxide Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of monoglyceride blend on systemic and intestinal immune responses, and gut health of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic Escherichia coli

BackgroundMonoglycerides have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional practices due to their biological activities, including antimicrobial properties. However, few studies have assessed the efficacy of monoglyceride blend on weaned pigs and their impacts on performance, immune response, and gut health using a disease challenge model. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary monoglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids on the immunity and gut health of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18.ResultsPigs supplemented with high-dose zinc oxide (ZNO) had greater (P < 0.05) growth performance than other treatments, but no difference was observed in average daily feed intake between ZNO and monoglycerides groups during the post-challenge period. Pigs in ZNO and antibiotic groups had lower (P < 0.05) severity of diarrhea than control, but the severity of diarrhea was not different between antibiotic and monoglycerides groups. Pigs fed with monoglycerides or ZNO had lower (P < 0.05) serum haptoglobin on d 2 or 5 post-inoculation than control. Pigs in ZNO had greater (P < 0.05) goblet cell numbers per villus, villus area and height, and villus height:crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) in duodenum on d 5 post-inoculation than pigs in other treatments. Pigs supplemented with monoglycerides, ZNO, or antibiotics had reduced (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth compared with control on d 5 post-inoculation, contributing to the increase (P = 0.06) in VH:CD. Consistently, pigs in ZNO expressed the lowest (P < 0.05) TNFa, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL1A, IL1B, and PTGS2 in ileal mucosa on d 5 post-inoculation, and no difference was observed in the expression of those genes between ZNO and monoglycerides. Supplementation of ZNO and antibiotic had significant impacts on metabolic pathways in the serum compared with control, particularly on carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, while limited impacts on serum metabolites were observed in monoglycerides group when compared with control.ConclusionsThe results suggest that supplementation of monoglyceride blend may enhance disease resistance of weaned pigs by alleviating the severity of diarrhea and mitigating intestinal and systemic inflammation, although the effectiveness may not be comparable to high-dose zinc oxide.

Organic acid preservation of cereal grains improves grain quality, growth performance, and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs

This study investigated the effect of preserving wheat and barley grains with an organic acid liquid surfactant mould inhibitor compared to conventional artificial drying and assessed its effects on the health and performance of pigs post-weaning (PW). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the interaction between grain preservation method (dried vs. preserved) and zinc oxide (ZnO) inclusion (yes vs. no) on growth performance, diarrhoea scores and incidence, and total tract nutrient digestibility. One hundred and ninety-two pigs (3 pigs/pen; 16 replicates/treatment) were assigned to one of four experimental diets for 35 days: (1) dried grain diet, (2) preserved grain diet, (3) dried grain diet with ZnO and (4) preserved grain diet with ZnO. Diets were formulated to contain similar levels of net energy and standardised ileal digestible lysine. On day 35 PW, 24 pigs (12 replicates/treatment) from the non-ZnO supplemented groups were euthanised and digesta was collected for coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), gut microbial population and volatile fatty acid analysis. Stomach tissue was also collected for gene expression analysis, as well as small intestine samples for gut morphology. Notable improvements in grain quality were observed in the preserved grain, including a reduction in grain pH, mould presence, and contamination by mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol in wheat and barley, and ochratoxin A and HT-2 toxin in barley. The preserved grain diet improved average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.01) and body weight (BW; P < 0.01) compared to the dried grain diet. The incorporation of ZnO increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.01) and BW (P < 0.05) in the dried grain diet, however, ZnO did not affect ADFI (P > 0.05), and reduced ADG and BW in the preserved grain diet (P < 0.05). Pigs offered the preserved grain diet had reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to those offered the dried grain diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of ZnO reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to non-supplemented pigs (P < 0.001). On day 35 PW, the preserved grain diet had improved CAID of nitrogen and gross energy (P < 0.05), lower levels of colonic branched-chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), and beneficial shifts in gut microbial populations. Specifically, there was a reduction in ileal Streptococcus (P < 0.001) and an increased abundance of colonic Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05). In conclusion, organic acid preservation improved grain quality, benefiting post-weaned pigs through improved nutrient digestibility and gut health, thus enhancing overall growth performance PW.

Zinc Supplementation Improves Texture, Oxidative Stability of Caciotta Cheese and Reduces Biogenic Amines Production.

Zinc is essential for animals, playing a vital role in enzyme systems and various biochemical reactions. It is crucial to ensure a sufficient intake of zinc through the diet to maintain efficient homeostasis. Only few studies on zinc effect in cow lactating diet evaluated the effects on milk and cheese quality, with conflicting findings. 24 cows of the Friesian breed were divided into two groups (CTR: control and TRT: treated group). Cows were selected for age, body weight, parity and phase of lactations (mid lactation, 140-160 days). CTR diet contained 38 mg/kg of Zn and TRT diet was supplied with 120 mg/kg of complete feed for 60 days. The objective of current investigation was to evaluate the impact of a dietary Zinc Oxide (ZnO) integration of lactating Friesian cows on chemical composition, zinc content, fatty acid and proteic profile, ammine content, pH, aw, texture, and sensory profile of cheese and to improve the chemical-nutritional quality of milk and cheese. The results showed that ZnO supplementation reduced mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Presumptive Pseudomonas spp. growth, proteolysis, biogenic amines content, lipid oxidation, odour intensity and sour and increased hardness, gumminess, chewiness, elasticity of cheese. Biogenic amines are considered an important aspect of food safety. ZnO integration in cow diet could represent a promising strategy for improving the quality, the safety and shelf-life of caciotta cheese.

PSIII-21 Impact of high zinc oxide supplementation or lignocellulose supplement on chronic markers of intestinal inflammation and growth of weaned piglets

Abstract The objective of this project was to study the effects of high zinc oxide (ZO) supplementation and fiber supplement from lignocellulose (LIGCEL) on chronic markers of intestinal inflammation and growth of weaned piglets. At weaning (21 d), 150 piglets (body weight = 6.39 ± 0.276 kg) were transferred from a farrowing farm to a nursery farm where they were divided into 30 pens of 5 piglets per pen according to their weanling weight. Each pen was assigned to one of the following three treatments: Control (CON, 150 mg/kg of zinc), ZO (2,500 mg/kg of zinc), and LIGCEL (CON+3% lignocellulose). The ZO and LIGCEL supplements were added to a phase 1 diet. The experimental diets (phase 1) were distributed for 14 d. Subsequently, all piglets received the same diets from phases 2 and 3 for two periods of 14 d. During the experiment, piglets were weighed upon arrival and after phases 1, 2, and 3. The feed was distributed every day and the total quantities calculated for each of the feeding phases. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion (FC) were subsequently calculated (Table 1). On d 6 and 13, the blood of two piglets per pen was collected to determine the content of D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO). Fecal samples from these two piglets were also taken to evaluate the calprotectin and neopterin contents. During phase 1, ADG was greater for ZO piglets compared with the CON animals with an intermediate value for the LIGCEL group (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The ADFI was greater for the ZO compared with the CON and LIGCEL treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.003). Piglets in the ZO and LIGNOCELL treatments had less FC than those in the CON group (P &amp;lt; 0.001). During phase 2, only the FC was greater for the ZO and LIGCEL treatments compared with CON animals (P &amp;lt; 0.013). During phase 3, growth performances were not affected by the dietary treatments. For the entire experiment, ZO piglets had greater ADG than those in the CON group with an intermediate value for LIGCEL treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.019). D-lactate decreased from d 6 to 13 while DAO increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The DAO was also greater for ZO and LIGCELL piglets compared with CON animals (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Neopterin was greater for ZO treatment but only on d 13 (Trt × day, P &amp;lt; 0.010). Finally, calprotectin decreased from d 6 to 13 (P &amp;lt; 0.001) but was not affected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, ZO and LIGCEL fiber act positively on growth by modulating markers of intestinal inflammation. LIGCEL fiber could, therefore, be an alternative to ZO in the diet of weaned piglets.

PSVI-14 Changes in zinc oxide concentration in feed and effects of probiotic addition to weaning to finishing pig diet by microbiome analysis

Abstract To analyze the implications of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) with probiotic administration on productivity, fecal index, meat quality characteristics, odorous substances, and microbiome analysis in weaning-finishing pigs, 200 weaned piglets (3 barrows and 2 gilts) were radomly assigned (average body weight = 6.65 ± 0.66 kg) into four treatments with ten repetitions per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying ZnO content (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm) and probiotic percentages (0.1% or 0.3%), as follows: TRT1 (75 ppm ZnO), TRT2 (75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic), TRT3 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO), and TRT4 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic). In comparison with the TRT1 treatment group, the TRT2 and TRT4 treatment groups had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight at wk 12, 18, and 22 of the trial and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain at wk 12, 18, 22, and the overall period (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, pigs fed ZnO with the probiotic included a diet that reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) NH3 and H2S at wk 18 and 22, and CO2 at wk 22, in the TRT2 and TRT4 groups compared with the TRT1 group. However, the fecal score and meat quality exhibited no substantial change (P &amp;gt; 0.05). By incorporating probiotics into the pig diet along with ZnO supplementation, a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in alpha diversity and beta diversity, as well as a higher relative abundance of phyla and genera of Firmicutes was found. Furthermore, based on taxonomic analysis, the dietary treatment group (TRT 4) showed a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Lactobacillus) while simultaneously reducing (P &amp;lt; 0.05) pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium_sunsu_strico_1, Campylobacteria, Olsenella) compared with the TRT1 treatment group. An improvement in diversity and expansion of the identified taxonomic groups has been associated with healthier gut health. The results indicated that the effects of ZnO with probiotics on the improvement of performance and reduced gas emissions in pigs may be associated with the modulatory effect on the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into using decreased ZnO with probiotic inclusion as a novel feeding strategy to improve pig gut health and overall performance.

200 Effects of zinc oxide removal and different nutritional plans on the growth performance, health, and behavior of nursery pigs from different genetic lines

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of the removal of zinc oxide (ZnO) supplemented at pharmaceutical levels and different nutritional plans on the growth performance, health, and behavior of nursery pigs from different genetic sire lines. A total of 1,440 newly weaned barrows and gilts were housed into nursery pens with 30 pigs/pen (0.25m2/pig). Pigs were assigned to eight groups following a randomized complete block design arranged on a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement [Genetic sire line: PIC 337 or PIC 800; ZnO supplementation: 0 or 2,500 ppm; nutritional plan: Control (PIC recommendation) or Treatment (TRT)]. Pigs were fed in three dietary phases (P1:7 d; P2: 21 d; P3: 21 d). The nutrient levels of the TRT for each phase consisted of reduced crude protein (P1: 21 vs. 18.43%; P2: 20.80 vs. 18.73%), SID Lys (P1: 1.40 vs. 1.20%; P2: 0.35 vs. 1.20%), net energy (P1: 2,450 vs. 2,352 kcal/kg; P2: 2,450 vs. 2,377 kcal/kg) and lactose levels (P1: 15 vs. 7%; P2: 7 vs. 5%), and use of calcium formate instead of calcium carbonate for both P1 and P2, and pigs receiving the same diet in P3. Health and behavior were assessed through ear lesion (weekly during P3) and fecal (weekly during P1 and P2) scoring, mortality/removals, and medication control. Growth performance was assessed by individually weighing pigs and recording feed disappearance every week throughout the experimental period. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model considering pen as the experimental unit. Models included treatments and their interactions as fixed effects, and block and pen within block as the random terms. Pigs fed ZnO showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG; 495 vs. 456 g/d) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; 681 vs. 633 g/d); and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) diarrhea incidence (DI; 3.64 vs 10.21%) at d 14 after weaning and mortality/removals (2.31 vs. 5.11%) compared with pigs fed no ZnO. No significant differences were detected between the nutritional plans for performance traits (P &amp;gt; 0.05); however, pigs fed the TRT had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) DI (7.54 vs. 11.43%) at d 7 after weaning than pigs fed the control nutrition plan. Regarding the genetic sire lines, PIC 337 pigs showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) overall body weight (26.1 vs. 25.4 kg), ADG (486 vs. 465 g/d) and ADFI (666 vs. 648 g/d); and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) mortality/removals (2.54 vs. 4.66%) and DI (6.92 vs. 12.41%) at d 7 after weaning compared with PIC 800 pigs. In summary, PIC 337 pigs fed ZnO under the control nutritional program showed greater growth performance during the nursery period. This study reaffirmed the benefits of ZnO fed to nursery pigs during the post-weaning period; however, since different countries are banning or reducing the use of ZnO, nutritional strategies should be considered to not negatively impact the health and subsequent performance of nursery pigs.

Effect of dietary supplementation of zinc oxide and sodium Sulphate on wool quality in Sandyno sheep

Effect of dietary supplementation of zinc oxide and sodium Sulphate on wool quality in Sandyno sheep

PSIV-5 The Utilization of Alltech’s Seed, Feed, Weed Piglet Program as an Alternative to Zinc Oxide on the Growth, Feed Efficiency and Mortality of Newly Weaned Pigs

Abstract Achieving a healthy gut with a suitable microbial population in place will maximize the health and lifetime performance of piglets and, concurrently, profitability. Natural nutritional strategies that promote gut health and development in young pigs without zinc oxide (ZnO) are gaining considerable interest. Alltech’s Seed, Feed, Weed (SFW) program is designed to promote favorable microbial communities in the gut, optimize gut structures, and support the immune system; all of which will positively impact the growth and health of young piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the SFW piglet program as an alternative to ZnO supplementation on the growth, feed efficiency and mortality of newly weaned pigs. Newly weaned pigs were allocated to one of two dietary treatments in 3 experiments. All experiments were carried out on commercial pig units in Spain. Dietary treatments were a basal pre-starter and starter diet containing 3,000 ppm ZnO (CONTROL), and a SFW piglet pre-starter and starter pack containing 0 ppm ZnO (SFW). In Exp. 1, pigs (n = 431) were weaned at 28 days old and fed the experimental pre-starter diets for 9 days. In Exp. 2, pigs (n = 295) were weaned at 28 days old and fed the experimental pre-starter and starter diets for 35 days. In Exp. 3, pigs (n = 311) were weaned at 28 days old and fed the experimental pre-starter and starter diets for 21 days. Pig performance was recorded. In experiment 1, SFW-fed pigs had similar average daily gain (ADG; 142 g/d vs 148 g/d) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; 149 g/d vs. 167 g/d) to CONTROL fed pigs. Feed efficiency (FE) was 1.05 and 1.13 for SFW and CONTROL piglets, respectively, resulting in SFW fed piglets being heavier at the end of the treatment period (7.65 kg vs. 7.45 kg). In experiment 2, overall, ADG (308 g/d vs. 316 g/d) and ADFI (423 g/d vs. 444 g/d) were similar between SFW and CONTROL fed piglets, respectively. Th SFW piglets had greater FE than CONTROL pigs (1.37 vs. 1.41). In experiment 3, there was no effect of treatment on ADG (356 g/d vs. 355 g/d) and ADFI (410 g/d vs. 420 g/d) or piglet body weight at the end of the study (12.8 kg vs. 12.7 kg). Feed efficiency was improved (1.21 vs. 1.24) and piglet mortality was reduced (3.4 % vs. 6.9 %) in SFW fed piglets compared with CONTROL fed piglets. In conclusion, the SFW program may prove to be a suitable alternative to ZnO by positively influencing the gut health of piglets and ensuring that piglet performance and health is maintained in the absence of ZnO.

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

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.

Dietary supplementation of zinc oxide modulates intestinal functionality during the post-weaning period in clinically healthy piglets

BackgroundTo improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction, this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets. In study 1, piglets received either a high concentration of zinc (Zn) as zinc oxide (ZnO, Zn, 2,690 mg/kg) or a low Zn concentration (100 mg/kg) in the diet during the post weaning period (d 14–23). The effects on the piglet’s small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated. In study 2, the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated, i.e., between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning, and the consecutive effects on the piglet’s intestinal functionality, here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.ResultsDifferences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration ZnO content. A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change, where mainly the commensals inter-changed. In the immediate post weaning period, i.e., d 0–14, the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration ZnO content, i.e., 23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue. These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses. For example, genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration ZnO content compared to low ZnO content in both jejunum and ileum tissue. In the second study, a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration ZnO content compared to low ZnO content.ConclusionsSupplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as ZnO for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality, in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning. The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue. The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of ZnO.

Dietary Zinc Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice Associated with Regulation of Th1/Th2/Th17 Balance and NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing inflammatory gastrointestinal tract diseases of uncertain origin, which are frequently associated with zinc deficiency. Animal models have a considerable value in elucidating the process of IBD. In this study, 50 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control group (Con), 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) group, and three zinc supplementation groups, namely 160ppm group, 400ppm group, and 1000ppm group. The results showed that supplementation of dietary zinc with zinc oxide could effectively relieve the severity of ulcerative colitis induced by TNBS in mice. We demonstrate that the protective mechanism involves the immunomodulation of dietary zinc by increasing CD3+, CD3+CD8+, and Th2 cells, suppressing Th1 and Th17 cells, and decreasing the production of serum IL-1β and IL-18. The dietary zinc oxide seems to be able to suppress the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of NIK, IKK, NF-κB, and NLRP3. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of zinc oxide may protect against colitis, and proper daily zinc supplementation may reduce the risk of IBD.

Effect of supplementation of Zinc oxide and Zinc methionine on mortality rates in piglets

Pig production occupies an important place in modern agriculture. Piglets are far less demanding on nutrients as compared to poultry. The experiment was conducted to know the effect of feeding organic and inorganic sources of additional zinc on growth incidences of gut microbial status in piglets. Sixty graded (Large White Yorkshire) suckling piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups of twenty piglets each based on litter size, parity and live birth weight. Treatment I (T1) served as control and these piglets were fed with deionized water daily as oral suspension. Treatment II (T2) and Treatment III (T3) were fed with fed Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Zinc Methionine (ZnM) daily (50 ppm) as oral suspension. The results of the experiment showed that the incidence of mortality in control (T1), zinc oxide (T2) and zinc methionine (T3) groups were 10, 5 and 0 per cent, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between control (T1), zinc oxide (T2) and zinc methionine (T3) groups. Based on the results of the current experiment and the reports available, the importance of supplementation of zinc oxide at higher than the recommended dosage may be considered for maintaining the proper growth, health and production status of piglets.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on the Efficacy of Zinc-Oxide and Selenium Nanoparticle in Cryopreserved Goat (Capra hircus) Spermatozoa.

Different nanoparticles (NPs) are currently being investigated for their potential role as cryoprotectant during semen cryopreservation in several mammalian species. It may be possible to improve semen quality following cryopreservation by supplementation of NPs in the freezing extenders. The present study was carried out in semen collected from four (4) Assam Hill Goat bucks (10 ejaculates per buck) to investigate the effect of supplementing zinc oxide (ZnO) and selenium (Se) NPs in Tris-citric acid-fructose yolk (TCFY) extender on in vitro sperm quality and in vivo fertility rate after freeze-thawing. The size morphology and zeta potential of ZnO and Se NPs were evaluated prior to its incorporation in the freezing extender. Qualified semen samples (> 70% progressive motility) were divided into five (5) aliquots and then diluted in TCFY extender containing ZnO and Se NP supplementation at different concentrations (T0, control; T1, 0.1mg/mL ZnO NPs; T2, 0.5mg/mL ZnO NPs; T3, 0.5µg/mL Se NPs; and T4, 1µg/mL Se NPs). Diluted semen was packed in 0.25mL straws and then stored in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, post-thaw in vitro sperm attributes were evaluated. Finally, the effect of NPs on in vivo fertility rate was checked in heat-synched does (n = 70) by artificial insemination (AI) using straws that showed superior results during the in vitro study. Results showed that ZnO and Se NPs were poly-crystalline in nature with particle size below 100nm (nm). The evaluated post-thaw sperm in vitro attributes were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in T1 in comparison to T0. The antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in T1. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) profile was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in T1. Sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) had a highly significant (r = 0.580, p < 0.05) association in T1. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in pregnancy rates were recorded after AI in the different treatments. In conclusion, extender supplemented with 0.1mg/mL ZnO NPs improved post-thaw semen quality of goat spermatozoa consequently by increasing activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes thereby lowering LPO levels. However, improved in vitro outcomes might not correspond to improved field fertility outcomes.

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

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&lt;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&gt;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&lt;0.05) higher serum zinc levels was observed showing improved bioavailability.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Supplementation on Performance, Digestibility, and Blood Biochemistry of Californian Male Rabbits Under Hot Climatic Conditions.

This study aims to investigate the effects of nanoparticles of zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO) supplementation on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, mineral retention, and blood biochemistry of Californian male rabbits under hot climatic conditions. A total of 100 Californian male rabbits 90days of age (BW: 1790 ± 13g) were randomly assigned to one of five treatment diets: Nano-ZnO at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100mg/kg, respectively, for 90days. The rabbits were raised in an open house system (average ambient temperature of 39°C, relative humidity of 30-35%, and temperature-humidity index of 33.6-34.0). Each treatment had 20 rabbits, and each rabbit was considered as a replicate. During the entire study period, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in BW, BW gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio between the treatment groups. Nano-ZnO supplementation at 25, 50, 75, and 100mg/kg enhanced the digestibility coefficient of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) considerably (quadratically, P < 0.05) when compared to the control group. In addition, when Nano-ZnO was supplemented at 25, 50, 75, and 100mg/kg, serum levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were considerably lower than the non-supplemented control group. Furthermore, when comparing the control and Nano-ZnO-fed rabbits, serum testosterone concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the treated groups. In addition, compared to the other groups, the 50mg/kg Nano-ZnO group had the highest cecal Lactobacilli spp. count. These findings suggest that supplementing Californian male rabbits with 50mg/kg dietary Nano-ZnO enhanced CP and EE digestibility, cecal Lactobacilli spp., as well as serum testosterone levels, and decreased serum ALT and AST levels under hot climatic conditions.

Supplementation of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine on Incidence of Non-Specific Scours in Piglets

Supplementation of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine on Incidence of Non-Specific Scours in Piglets

Effect of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine Supplementation on Skin Coat Condition in Piglets

Effect of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine Supplementation on Skin Coat Condition in Piglets

Vaccination with an Escherichia coli F4/F18 Vaccine Improves Piglet Performance Combined with a Reduction in Antimicrobial Use and Secondary Infections Due to Streptococcus suis.

Simple SummaryPost-weaning diarrhea (PWD) due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a major cause of economic losses for the pig industry. Therapy to combat PWD typically consists of antibiotic treatment or supplementation of zinc oxide to the feed. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and new EU regulations prompt the need for alternative control strategies, such as immunization. The aim of the field study was to evaluate the effect of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine on piglet performance, health, and antimicrobial use. We compared 10 batches receiving a standard antimicrobial control treatment to 10 batches vaccinated with the oral E. coli vaccine. The vaccine-treated groups demonstrated a significant improvement in performance, mortality weight, and antimicrobial use. In addition, secondary infections due to Streptococcus suis in the second part of nursery were reduced, as indicated by the reduction in amoxicillin use. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the efficacy of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine for the active immunization of piglets against PWD under field conditions. Therefore, vaccination against PWD may be considered a valuable alternative for strengthening piglet performance while meeting the new EU requirements concerning the prudent use of antimicrobials in intensive pig production.Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a major cause of economic losses for the pig industry. Therapy to combat PWD typically consists of antibiotic treatment or supplementation of zinc oxide to the feed. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance to E. coli and new EU regulations prompt the need for alternative control strategies, such as immunization. The aim of the field study was to evaluate the effect of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine on piglet performance, health, and antimicrobial use. We evaluated vaccination with an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli F4/F18 under field conditions in 10 consecutive batches against a standard antimicrobial treatment in 10 historical control batches. The vaccine-treated groups demonstrated a significant improvement in feed conversion rate, mortality weight, and antimicrobial use. From a general health perspective, secondary infections due to Streptococcus suis (S. suis) in the second part of nursery were markedly reduced, as indicated by the reduction in amoxicillin use. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the efficacy of an oral live non-pathogenic E. coli vaccine for active immunization of piglets against PWD under field conditions. The vaccine-treated groups showed an improvement in several economically important performance parameters while reducing the overall antimicrobial use and infection pressure due to S. suis. Therefore, vaccination against PWD may be considered a valuable alternative for consolidating piglet performance while meeting the new EU requirements concerning the prudent use of antimicrobials in intensive pig production.

Potential of a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract to reduce Salmonella shedding and improve gastrointestinal health in weaned pigs naturally infected with Salmonella

BackgroundDietary supplementation with a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), possessing an in vitro anti-Salmonella Typhimurium activity could be a promising on-farm strategy to control Salmonella infection in pigs. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the anti-S. Typhimurium activity of ANE (containing 46.6% fucoidan, 18.6% laminarin, 10.7% mannitol, 4.6% alginate) in vitro, and; 2) compare the effects of dietary supplementation with ANE and Zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, Salmonella shedding and selected gut parameters in naturally infected pigs. This was established post-weaning (newly weaned pig experiment) and following regrouping of post-weaned pigs and experimental re-infection with S. Typhimurium (challenge experiment).ResultsIn the in vitro assay, increasing ANE concentrations led to a linear reduction in S. Typhimurium counts (P < 0.05). In the newly weaned pig experiment (12 replicates/treatment), high ANE supplementation increased gain to feed ratio, similar to ZnO supplementation, and reduced faecal Salmonella counts on d 21 compared to the low ANE and control groups (P < 0.05). The challenge experiment included thirty-six pigs from the previous experiment that remained on their original dietary treatments (control and high ANE groups with the latter being renamed to ANE group) apart from the ZnO group which transitioned onto a control diet on d 21 (ZnO-residual group). These dietary treatments had no effect on performance, faecal scores, Salmonella shedding or colonic and caecal Salmonella counts (P > 0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the Enterobacteriaceae counts compared to the control. Enterobacteriaceae counts were also reduced in the ZnO-residual group compared to the control (P < 0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the expression of interleukin 22 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in the ileum compared to the control (P < 0.05).ConclusionsANE supplementation was associated with some beneficial changes in the composition of the colonic microbiota, Salmonella shedding, and the expression of inflammatory genes associated with persistent Salmonella infection.

Effect of dietary nano zinc oxide on growth performance and carcass characterstics of broiler chicken

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide (nano ZnO) on the performance and slaughter variables of commercial broiler chicken from 0 to 42 days of age. Straight run ‘Cobb 400’ day-old broiler chicks (240) were randomly distributed into six treatment groups which were sub-divided into eight replicates containing five chicks in each and fed with T1 (control), T2 (nano ZnO @ 0.1 ppm/litre) and T3 (nano ZnO @ 0.2 ppm/litre), T4 (nano ZnO @ 0.4 ppm/litre) T5 (nano ZnO @ 0.6 ppm/litre) and T6 (nano ZnO @0.8 ppm/litre) diets. The results revealed that body weight gains were significantly influenced by the graded levels of nano ZnO at 42 days of age and the weight gain increased with decrease in level of nano ZnO 0.1 and 0.2 ppm/litre compared with 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 ppm/litre. However, the feed intake and FCR was not influenced by nano ZnO supplementation. All the dietary supplements did not exert any significant effect on various carcass parameters, except liver and breast yield. The liver weight was increased with increased level of nano ZnO but the breast yield was higher in nano ZnO at 0.6ppm/litre followed by nano ZnO 0.2 and 0.4 ppm/litre at the age of 42 days. The mortality rate was within the limits. It can be concluded that supplementation of nano ZnO @ 0.1 and 0.2 ppm (in drinking water) can be used for improving performance and breast yield of broiler chicken.