Zn Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of reducing copper and zinc supplementation on the performance and mineral status of fattening pigs

Pig manure with high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration is applied to the soil, and these trace minerals can accumulate in the topsoil and decrease its fertility. Thus, adjusting concentrations of Cu and Zn in pig diets below current maximum allowance can prevent this risk. Reduction of dietary concentrations of Cu and Zn reduces their faecal excretion since only a small portion is retained in the pig’s body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of reducing concentration of dietary Cu and Zn or withdrawing their supplementation on the performance and mineral status of fattening pigs. Four dietary treatments were compared: a basal diet (WS; withdraw supplementation), with no Cu or Zn supplementation (5 and 29 mg/kg of native Cu and Zn, respectively); intermediate concentration (OINT), supplemented with Cu and Zn oxides to obtain mean dietary concentration of 7.4 and 47.5 mg/kg of Cu and Zn, respectively; and two diets supplemented with oxides (OREG) or sulphates (SREG) at concentration similar to European Union limits (i.e. 25 and 120 mg/kg of total Cu and Zn, respectively), as commonly used on commercial farms. Ninety-six pigs (24.3 ± 3.3 kg BW) were each assigned to one of the four treatments and reared in individual pens for 14 weeks (up to 110.3 ± 8.9 kg BW). Animal performances were measured, and samples of plasma (on day 1 and day 41 of experimentation and at slaughter), bones and the liver (at slaughter) were collected from all pigs. Faecal samples were collected from all pigs every 3 weeks to determine the Cu and Zn excretion. Over the entire experiment, neither the concentration nor the source of Cu and Zn influenced feed intake, BW or the feed conversion ratio. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were not influenced by the treatment but increased as the age of the pigs increased. Liver Cu concentration increased (P < 0.05) as dietary concentrations increased (OREG> WS). Neither the concentration nor the source of Cu and Zn influenced bone Cu and Zn concentration or physical bone parameters. However, SREG had a higher maximum load until bone breaking (P < 0.05) than OREG. As expected, faecal excretion of Cu and Zn decreased (P < 0.01) as dietary concentration decreased. Dietary Cu and Zn can be reduced without decreasing the performance or mineral status of pigs, and these results should be validated on commercial farms that have more challenging health conditions.

Synergistic effects of selenium and zinc on Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. growth and polysaccharide antioxidation.

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial trace element for plants, while zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient. Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. is widely recognized as a medicinal herb. In this study, Se and Zn were introduced to determine the medicinal properties of B. striata. The plant's biomass, polysaccharides, Se and Zn contents, and the antioxidant properties of polysaccharide solutions were all examined. A notable increase in polysaccharide synthesis in B. striata tubers was observed following the application of 0.2 kg ha-1 of Se, and 1.0 kg ha-1 of Zn, either individually or in combination. Se and Zn content in polysaccharides were 3.33 to 3.77 mg kg-1 and 82.82 to 121.78 mg kg-1, at 1.0 kg ha-1 Se and 10.0 kg ha-1 Zn treatments, respectively. These values were 2.1-3.1 times and 1.8-2.8 times higher than those observed in control samples. Polysaccharide antioxidation has resulted in an increase in antioxidant activity as the concentration of polysaccharide solutions increased. The largest scavenging of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and the most excellent reducingpower of the polysaccharide solutions were observed when a mixture of Se and Zn was applied at a rate of 1.0 kg ha-1 and 10.0 kg ha-1. The individual application of Se at 1.0 kg ha-1 and Zn at 10.0 kg ha-1 also resulted in significant DPPH radicals scavenging and reduced power. These data suggested that Se-Zn enriched B. striata is a new source of Se and Zn supplementation and an antioxidant resource.

Zinc as a Possible Critical Element to Prevent Harmful Effects of COVID-19 on Testicular Function: a Narrative Review.

Research into innovative non-pharmacological therapeutic routes via the utilization of natural elements like zinc (Zn) has been motivated by the discovery of new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) variants and the ineffectiveness of certain vaccination treatments during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, research on SARS-COV-2's viral cellular entry and infection mechanism has shown that it may seriously harm reproductive system cells and impair testicular function in young men and adolescents, which may lead to male infertility over time. In this context, we conducted a narrative review to give an overview of the data pertaining to Zn's critical role in testicular tissue, the therapeutic use of such micronutrients to enhance male fertility, as well as in the potential mitigation of COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the hypothesis of the potential use of Zn supplements to prevent the possible harmful effects of SARS-COV2 infection on testis physiological function, and subsequently, on male fertility.

Effects of Combined Organic Selenium and Zinc Supplementation on In Vitro Ruminal Enzyme Activities and Relative Populations of Several Bacterial Species

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential animal microminerals. Combining Se and Zn (Se-Zn) as a feed additive in its influence on rumen fermentation patterns is still very limited, so further investigation is needed. The present study explored the supplementation impact of combined Se-Zn from organic sources on rumen enzyme activity and relative abundance of several bacterial species through an in vitro method. Five treatments, each with six replicates were used in the study. The first group treated without Se and Zn supplementation (T0, control), the second group treated with 0.3 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn (T1), the third group treated with 0.45 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn (T2), the fourth group treated with 0.3 ppm Se + 90 ppm Zn (T3), and the fifth group treated with 0.45 ppm Se + 90 ppm Zn (T4). The parameters observed included rumen microbial enzyme activities (carboxyl methyl cellulase, amylase, protease) and the relative abundance of rumen microbes (Ruminococcus sp., Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus sp., Prevotella ruminicola, and Eubacterium ruminantium). Results indicated that carboxyl methyl cellulase (CMC-ase) and amylase activities raised in T2, T3, and T4 in comparison to T1 and T0 treatments. Protease activity and protein enzyme content increased in T2 compared to all treatments. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus sp. and Ruminococcus albus was higher in T2 and T3 compared to T0 treatment. Furthermore, an elevated Ruminococcus flavefaciens was indicated in T2 compared to other treatments. The T2, T3, and T4 led to higher abundances of Eubacterium ruminantium, Prevotella ruminicola, and Ruminococcus albus compared to T0 and T1. It is concluded that organic Se and Zn enhanced the relative abundance of several bacterial species and the activity of enzymes in the rumen; optimal results are recommended when combining 0.45 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn.

The Effectiveness of Soybean Meal, Zn, and Cr Supplementation in the Ration on Total Erythrocyte, Hemoglobin Levels, and Packed Cell Volume in Rambon Goats

The Effectiveness of Soybean Meal, Zn, and Cr Supplementation in the Ration on Total Erythrocyte, Hemoglobin Levels, and Packed Cell Volume in Rambon Goats

Impact of an Injectable Trace Mineral Supplement on the Immune Response and Outcome of Mannheimia haemolytica Infection in Feedlot Cattle

AbstractThe study aimed to assess the impact of injectable trace mineral (“ITM”; Multimin90; Fort Collins, CO) supplementation on bacterial infection in cattle. Angus-crossbred steers (n = 32) were organized into two blocks by initial body weight. Steers were maintained on a ryelage and dry-rolled corn-based growing diet without supplementation of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se for the duration of the study. The steers were transported 6 h, then randomized into three treatment groups: control received sterile saline (“CON”), ITM administered 1 day after transport (6 days before infection, “ITMPRE”), and ITM administered 2 days post infection (dpi) concurrent with antibiotic treatment (“ITMPOST”). Steers were infected with Mannheimia haemolytica on day 0, and all were treated with tulathromycin at 2 dpi. Plasma levels of Zn, Cu, and Se did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.74). Liver Se was higher in ITMPRE at 2 dpi (P &lt; 0.05), and both ITM groups had higher liver Se at 5 dpi (P &lt; 0.05) compared to CON. A time × treatment interaction was detected for liver Cu (P = 0.02). Clinical scores were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in ITMPRE on 1 and 8 dpi and ITMPOST on 8 dpi compared to CON. Thoracic ultrasonography scores were lower in ITMPRE at 2 dpi compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05) and ITMPOST (P &lt; 0.1). No treatment effects (P &gt; 0.10) were observed for bacterial detection from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or nasopharyngeal swabs. At 5 dpi, both ITMPRE and ITMPOST showed higher frequencies of γδ T cells and NK cells in BAL compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05). Before infection, leukocytes from ITMPRE steers produced more IL-6 (P &lt; 0.01) in response to stimulation with the TLR agonist, Pam3CSK4. Use of ITM may be an effective strategy for improving disease resistance in feedlot cattle facing health challenges.

Zinc nutrition at first feeding imprints a programming effect on growth and hepatic lipid metabolism in juvenile rainbow trout

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementation with deficient zinc (Zn) or/and excess copper (Cu) in the first-feeding diet of rainbow trout fry influenced the growth and physiological regulation of juvenile fish subjected to similar challenge feeds again. The feeding trial lasted for 24 weeks and had three phases. In phase I, rainbow trout fry was treated with one of four different plant-based feeds containing or exempting Zn or Cu supplementation (coded Zn-Cu-, Zn+Cu-, Zn-Cu+, Zn+Cu+) for 6 weeks. Thereafter, all groups were fed a common commercial feed for the next 12 weeks (phase II). In phase III, all groups were fed with the “challenge diet” for another 6 weeks which was the basal diet (Zn-Cu-) except that the vegetable oils were replaced by fish oil. The results demonstrated that fish fed a Zn+ diet at first feeding increased larval growth (phase-I), but it had no effect on growth at the end of phase II when fed commercial feeds. In phase III, when re-introduced to a Zn- challenge diet, the feed intake and growth of juveniles with Zn+ history significantly increased, with reduced feed efficiency. Fish growth was neither influenced by dietary Cu levels or by the dietary Cu history in any of the growth phases, but dietary Cu excess (Cu+) reduced body lipid and energy content in fry. In phase I, lower whole-body Zn concentration was observed in the fry of Zn- group compared to Zn+, while the contrary was observed in the juvenile fish as affected by dietary Zn history (phase III). In addition, Zn- dietary history showed increased levels of PUFA and higher mRNA expression of fatty acid biosynthesis genes in the liver. To conclude, early-stage dietary Zn+ history improved growth of juvenile rainbow trout, while dietary Zn- history exhibited signs of improved fatty acid biosynthesis capacity in the liver.

Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers.

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200mg TBA, 20mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.

Identifying Dietary Timing of Organic Trace Minerals to Reduce the Incidence of Osteomyelitis Lameness in Broiler Chickens Using the Aerosol Transmission Model.

Our prior research demonstrated a 20% to 25% reduction in bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness in broilers with organic Zn, Mn, and Cu (Availa® ZMC) supplementation. Expanding on this, we investigated the optimal timing for Availa® ZMC feeding to mitigate BCO lameness and reduce feed additive costs in the poultry industry. In this study, we compared the application of 0.15% Availa® ZMC for 56 days, the first 28 days, and the last 28 days. The experimental design was a randomized block design involving 1560 one-day-old chicks distributed across two wire-floor pens as BCO source infection and four treatment groups with six replicates. The source of BCO infection exhibited a cumulative lameness incidence of 83%, whereas the negative control group showed a 77% cumulative incidence of lameness (p = 0.125). Administering 0.15% of Availa® ZMC during the initial 28 d resulted in a 41.3% reduction in BCO incidence, significantly different from the supplementation during the last 28 d (p < 0.05). However, this reduction did not differ substantially (p > 0.05) from the 56d application period. Hence, administering 0.15% Availa® ZMC during the first four weeks emerges as the optimal timing protocol, providing a defense against lameness comparable to the continuous supplementation throughout the complete production duration. Implementing this feeding approach reduces the cost of feed additive, promotes the health of skeletal bones, and effectively protects against BCO lameness in broilers, offering a valuable consideration for producers seeking optimal outcomes in the poultry industry.

Zinc transporters expression profile in professional handball players supplemented with zinc

IntroductionZinc (Zn) deficiency has been described not only on general human health but also within the sports context –as negatively affecting performance–. Thus, Zn status assessment is of great interest for athletes, especially in order to correct deficiency states of this mineral. ObjectiveThe overall objective of this work was to assess Zn status in professional handball players during the competitive period (through plasma levels, dietary intake and gene expression of the Zn transporters), as well as to determine the effect of Zn supplementation. MethodsA total of twenty-two participants were recruited, –twelve belonged to the Control Group (CG) and ten male handball players comprised the experimental group (ATH-G)–, being monitored over a 2-month period with 2 evaluation moments: baseline (i.e., initial conditions) and follow-up (i.e., after 8 weeks of training and competition). Zn intake, plasma Zn levels, and gene expression of Zn transporters were obtained. ResultsPlasma Zn levels were higher in ATH-G than in CG at the end of Zn intervention (p ≤ 0.010). Moreover, differences in the gene expression profile of Zn transporters were observed in ATH-G –with the down-regulation of several Zn transporters–, compared to the CG at baseline (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, differences in the Zn transporters expression were observed in ATH-G at 8 weeks (all, p ≤ 0.001) –with ZnT2, ZnT5, ZIP3, ZIP5, ZIP11, ZIP13 and ZIP14 transporters being up-regulated–. ConclusionHandball players seemed to have different nutritional needs for Zn, with differences in the gene expression of Zn transporters compared to controls. Zn intervention in our athletes may have influenced the expression of Zn transporters, indicating a potential increase in Zn transporters expression to mobilize Zn at the cellular level at 8 weeks of Zn intervention.

Iron transporter1 OsIRT1 positively regulates saline–alkaline stress tolerance in Oryza sativa

Soil salinization–alkalization severely affects plant growth and crop yield worldwide, especially in the Songnen Plain of Northeast China. Saline–alkaline stress increases the pH around the plant roots, thereby limiting the absorption and transportation of nutrients and ions, such as iron (Fe). Fe is an essential micronutrient that plays important roles in many metabolic processes during plant growth and development, and it is acquired by the root cells via iron-regulated transporter1 (IRT1). However, the function of Oryza sativa IRT1 (OsIRT1) under soda saline–alkaline stress remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we generated OsIRT1 mutant lines and OsIRT1-overexpressing lines in the background of the O. sativa Songjing2 cultivar to investigate the roles of OsIRT1 under soda saline–alkaline stress. The OsIRT1-overexpressing lines exhibited higher tolerance to saline–alkaline stress compared to the mutant lines during germination and seedling stages. Moreover, the expression of some saline–alkaline stress-related genes and Fe uptake and transport-related genes were altered. Furthermore, Fe and Zn contents were upregulated in the OsIRT1-overexpressing lines under saline–alkaline stress. Further analysis revealed that Fe and Zn supplementation increased the tolerance of O. sativa seedlings to saline–alkaline stress. Altogether, our results indicate that OsIRT1 plays a significant role in O. sativa by repairing the saline–alkaline stress-induced damage. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of OsIRT1 in O. sativa under soda saline–alkaline stress and suggest that OsIRT1 can serve as a potential target gene for the development of saline–alkaline stress-tolerant O. sativa plants.

Growth increase and gonadal dysfunction of the lined seahorse triggered by zinc exposure

Seahorses are characterized by unique characteristics such as a male pregnancy reproductive strategy and grasping preferences, which make these species vulnerable to various environmental risks. Zinc (Zn) is one of the most frequently occurring toxic elements in coastal waters; however, little is known about the effect of Zn exposure on seahorses. In the present study, line seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) were exposed to waterborne Zn (0.2 and 1.0 mg/L) and the impact on growth and gonadal development was investigated. Zn exposure induced growth improvement, but also led to gonadal dysfunction in the lined seahorse. Female seahorses exhibited high testosterone levels, immature follicles, and weight increase after Zn exposure, which is the typical characteristics of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like phenotype. Transcriptomic data suggested that the Zn-induced growth promotion resulted from the dysregulated expression of fat accumulation genes. Further investigation of gene expression profiles in the brain, ovaries, and testes indicated that Zn affected the expression of genes involved in growth, immunity, tissue remodeling, and gonadal development by regulating serum steroid hormone levels and androgen receptor expression. This study not only clarifies the complex impact of Zn on seahorses using physiological, histological, and molecular evidence but can also provide new insights into the mechanism underlying PCOS in reproductive-aged women. Moreover, this work demonstrates the risk of the common practice of Zn supplementation in the aquaculture industry as the consequent growth yield may not represent a healthy condition.

Zinc about it - zinc and calf immunity.

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and trace minerals, are critical for supporting growth, performance, health and maintaining redox balance. Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient, aids the functioning of innate and adaptive immune cells. This scoping review aims to assemble and evaluate the evidence available for the role of Zn within calf immunity. Relevant literature was identified within Web of Science, PubMed, and CABI using search terms specific to the major innate and adaptive immune cell populations. There was no evidence that Zn supplementation altered neutrophil, natural killer cell, or T-cell functions. However, there was limited evidence to support Zn supplementation with reduced monocyte numbers, but there was no evidence to associate the monocytopenia with improvements in monocyte function. There is moderate evidence to suggest that Zn supplementation was beneficial for maintaining epithelial barriers of integumental and mucosal surfaces. The evidence supports supplementation above the current industry recommendations for improving immunoglobulin (Ig) production, with the strongest results being observed for IgG and IgM. Moreover, Zn supplementation was associated with reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, which may reduce inflammation-associated hypophagia and warrants further investigation. Furthermore, Zn reduced the duration of clinical signs in animals facing respiratory disease and diarrhea. However, consensus is needed about the optimal dose, route, and Zn formulation most appropriate for supporting immunity. In conclusion, while the literature supports that Zn could enhance calf immunity, there is insufficient evidence to adequately determine the extent to which Zn impacts innate immune cell and T-cell functions. Determination of the immune cell functions susceptible to modification by Zn supplementation is an important knowledge gap for enhancing the understanding of Zn and calf immunity.

56 Metabolic status of respiratory disease challenged beef steers altered by intranasal Zn and vitamin A treatments

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the cattle industry. Increasing the ability of a calf to respond to disease is of interest due to the loss of production during disease. Zinc and vitamin A (VA) are key micronutrients involved in many immunologic processes such as cell signaling and mucosal immunity. Angus crossbred steers [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 333 ± 4.2 kg] were utilized in this 14-d BRD challenge investigating intranasal (IN) treatments of Zn and VA. Steers were split into two groups (n = 24) with identical disease challenge and sample collection schedules. Before disease challenge, steers were housed at the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition farm (BNF). Steers were weighed on d -2 and -1 of viral challenge and trucked for 6 h before delivery to the Iowa State University Animal Resource Station. On d 0, steers were challenged with an aerosol inoculation with 104 TCID50 BRSV followed by 5x108 CFU of Mannheimia haemolytica on d 5. On d 4, steers received IN treatments of Zn (ZN; ZnO nanoparticles), VA (VA), Zn and VA (VA+ZN), or control with no IN treatment (CON). For trace mineral and VA analysis, liver biopsies were collected on d -9 and 20 and plasma collected on d 0, 4 (trace mineral only), 5, 7 and 14. Steers were tested for viral shedding on d 0, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 14. RNA was isolated from bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) cells (d 0 and 7) for gene expression related to inflammation, VA and trace mineral metabolism. Statistical analysis was completed using the GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures in SAS 9.4. Throughout the study, viral shedding was not affected by intranasal treatment (P ≥ 0.59). There were no group × TRT × day effects for plasma trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe) or VA concentrations (P ≥ 0.18). Intranasal VA prevented a decrease in plasma VA on d 5, after which all treatments were similar (P &amp;lt; 0.01). There were no TRT × day effects for plasma Zn and Cu (P ≥ 0.50). Post challenge, liver VA was increased in VA treated steers compared with steers not treated with VA (P = 0.04). Liver Mn tended to be increased post challenge in IN ZN treated steers (P = 0.08). IN Zn treated steers tended to have lesser expression of IL-10 in BAL cells on d 7 post infection (P = 0.07). Local IN supplementation of Zn and VA can have systemic and local affects on respiratory disease challenged steers and may support increased response to disease.

197 Effects of dietary zinc supplementation strategy on immune response, bacterial load and disease severity in growing gilts infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess impacts of dietary zinc (Zn) supplementation strategy on immune response, bacterial clearance, and disease severity in growing gilts infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Weaned gilts [n = 96; 21-d old; initial body weight (BW) = 6.94 kg], were used in a 63-d experiment which consisted of a pre- (d 0-35) and post- (d 35-63) M. hyopneumoniae challenge. On d 0 (-35 d post-inoculation; dpi), gilts were confirmed negative for M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSv and assigned randomly to 1 of 2 dietary treatments with 8 pens/treatment and 6 gilts/pen. Treatments were: 1) Control; 125 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4, and 2) Zn-blend; 125 mg/kg Zn with 50 mg/kg Zn from Zn-amino acid complex (ZnAA) and 75 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4. Dietary treatments were fed in 4-phases with pharmacological levels of zinc oxide included in the first 2 phases. Phase 1 (d 0) control and Zn-blend diets contained 3,121 and 3,256 mg/kg total Zn, respectively. Phase 2 (d 0-14) control and Zn-blend diets contained 3,657 and 3,593 mg/kg total Zn, respectively. Phases 3 (d 14-35) and 4 (d 35-63) control and Zn-blend diets contained 213 and 193 mg/kg and 229 and 212 mg/kg total Zn, respectively. At 0 and 1 dpi, all gilts were inoculated intratracheally with 10 mL of a lung homogenate containing 1×105 CCU/mL of M. hyopneumoniae strain 232. Blood and tracheal secretions were collected on -35, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 dpi. Blood samples were evaluated for antibody detection, and tracheal secretions were analyzed by PCR. Number of coughs were recorded daily from 7 to 28 dpi. At 28 dpi, gilts were humanely euthanized, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and macroscopic lung lesion observations were collected. Gross lung lesions were scored, and lung tissues were fixed for histopathology. Normally distributed data were analyzed in a generalized linear model with the fixed effect of diet and repeated measures for days post-inoculation. Non-normal data were analyzed using a Mann Whitney U Test using the NPAR1WAY procedure of SAS with a fixed effect of diet or a Chi-square test. Gilts consuming control diets tended (21.68 vs. 20.90 Ct, P = 0.08) to have less relative bacterial load than those consuming Zn-blend diets, over time. No differences in mean sample-to-positive ratio or proportion of gilt seroconversion (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were detected between treatments. There were no differences in mean concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in BALF for gilts consuming control or Zn-blend diets. There were no differences in mean macroscopic (P = 0.73) or microscopic (P = 0.67) lung scores, and coughing index score (P = 0.25) over the entire period between gilts consuming the different dietary Zn supplementation strategies. In conclusion, growing gilts consuming diets containing different Zn sources exhibited similar signs of infection during the acute phase of a M. hyopneumoniae infection.

203 The relationship between potentiated zinc oxide and monovalent copper in a dietary administration for weanling piglets

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary level of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) supplementation according to European and non-European levels on the health and performance of pigs 14 d after weaning. A total of 120 piglets [initial body weight = 7.14 ± 0.92 kg] were divided into 4 experimental treatments: positive control (PC, 2,500 ppm of Zn, ZnO) and 3 treatments in which Zn and Cu were added through potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to different European and non-European levels of inclusion: EU (120 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu), non-EU+ (300 ppm of Zn; 200 ppm of Cu) and non-EU- (300 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu). Growth performance, serum Zn and Cu concentrations, fecal score, blood biomarkers of intestinal integrity, and fecal microbial composition were examined and analyzed using GLM and MIXED procedures of SAS. Fecal samples at 14 d were collected and the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S gene were sequenced in one Illumina MiSeq run. Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and (feed efficiency (FE) were not affected by the experimental treatments. The fecal score suggests that during the first 14d, the consistency of the feces tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to be less in the three treatment groups while in PC, the greatest concentration of Zn favored a better fecal consistency. The initial serum Zn and Cu concentrations were similar for all dietary treatment groups. After 14 d, serum Zn concentration was significantly greater in PC (15.71 ± 6.25 µg/L, P &amp;lt; 0.05). No differences were highlighted in serum Zn concentration among the other 3 treatment groups. Serum Cu concentrations revealed statistically significant results (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on 14 d after weaning in EU, non-EU+ and non-EU- groups, showing greater concentrations of Cu (17.65 ± 5.49 µmol/L, 17.73± 3.46 µmol/L 18.33 ± 4.13 µmol/L, respectively) compared with PC (11.87 ± 3.60 µmol/L). These results suggested that the EU level of inclusion of both potentiated Zn and monovalent Cu is enough to reach the same Cu and Zn plasma concentrations of non-EU treatments. Plasma DAO was negatively (P &amp;lt; 0.05) affected in non-EU-. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in fecal microbiome. Non-EU- contributed to a significant decrease in biodiversity in fecal microbiota as depicted with Shannon for diversity and Simpson for evenness indexes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In fecal samples, the presence of genera linked to a greater disruption of the gut barrier (Escherichia-Shigella) was depicted in non-EU- group, indicating significant modifications of the microbial community. These results suggest the need for a balanced supplementation of Cu and Zn through more bioavailable sources. The use of potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to European levels could represent a valid strategy to enhance weanling piglets gut health and to reduce the environmental impact.

PSI-17 Effect of timing of high dietary zinc supplementation on the microbiome of gestating sows and their piglets

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess if high dietary zinc (Zn) fed to gestating sows modulates the microbiome of the sow and that of their offspring. Sows were fed 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) Control: a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 125 ppm total supplemental zinc, 2) Breed-to-Farrow: as Control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 fed from 5 d post-breeding to farrowing; and 3) Day 110-to-Farrow: as Control + 2,715 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 starting on d 110 of gestation until farrowing. A subset of third parity sows (n = 30; 10 per treatment) were selected to assess the microbiome of colostrum, milk, and rectal and vaginal surfaces of sows. At farrowing, 4 pigs per litter (n = 120) were selected based on birthweight (BiW; 2 average BiW pigs and 2 pigs with BiW below the litter average) were selected to assess the piglet gut microbiome on the day of birth (d 0) and d5 of age. 16S rRNA sequencing was implemented for colostrum and milk samples while all other sample types were sequenced using shotgun metagenomics to determine taxonomic and functional profiles. Measures of alpha and beta diversity were conducted along with determination of differentially abundant taxa and pathways in tandem with generalized linear mixed models. Greater dietary concentrations of Zn fed to gestating sows minimally affected their colostrum, milk, and vaginal microbiome. However, fecal samples of Breed-to-Farrow sows showed decreased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri and greater abundance of bacteria typically involved in fiber fermentation compared with Control sows (Figure 1a). Piglets born to Day 110-to-Farrow sows also showed greater abundance of some taxa typically involved in fiber breakdown and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation on d 5 compared with Control pigs (Figure 1b). At d 0, Breed-to-Farrow piglets showed less abundance of methanogenic archaea and differential abundance of taxa with potentially pathogenic roles, compared with Control pigs (Figure 1c). Gene families and pathways playing roles in central metabolic functions (starch, pyruvate, sucrose, amino acid metabolism) were more abundant in Breed-to-Farrow piglets compared with pigs born to Control sows on d 0 and 5 of age. In conclusion, greater Zn fed to gestating sows impacted the abundance of gut taxa with potential roles in SCFA-production and pathogenicity in both sow and piglet, despite overall minor effects. However, the physiological significance of these findings for the sow and piglet remains unclear.

Effects of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Early Embryonic Development and Neonates of Aged Female Albino Mice

Female reproductive aging is a normal phase of life that eventually leads to menopause and reproductive senescence. The current experimental investigation was intended to study zinc supplementation effects on early embryonic development and neonates in 26-28 weeks old female mice. In this investigation, 80 mature female mice were used that were divided into two groups of forty each. Two control groups received distilled water, while two Zn groups were given 0.115 mg/kg/day Zn orally daily during 2-3 estrous cycles. The female mice were all mated with adult males. Twenty female mice from both the control and Zn groups were euthanized by CO2 gas inhalation, and then a longitudinal incision in the abdomen of each female mouse was performed and uterine horns and oviducts were detached from the body in order to obtain two-cell embryos. On the other hand, 20 pregnant mice from each group were permitted to complete their pregnancy until birth and then their neonates were collected for macroscopic examination. The findings showed that the Zn supplementation significantly (P≤0.01) improved the mean embryonic development and the quality of 2-cell stage embryo grade A. Whereas, it decreased the mean embryonic development of 2-cell stage embryo grade D in aged female mice significantly (P≤0.01) in comparison with aged control groups. Also, the count and quality of neonates from Zn-treated aged female mice enhanced significantly (P≤0.01) as compared to non-treated aged female mice. It was concluded from these findings that the Zn can improve embryonic development and neonate count and quality in aged mice.

Supplementation of critical micro-nutrients in peri‑parturient dairy buffaloes improves lactation performance

BackgroundThe peri‑parturient period is the most vital period of a dairy animal's life and affects its future performance. Dairy animals get exposed to severe metabolic stress during the peri‑parturient period and their stress tolerance capacity during the period remains a key factor to harvest optimum production from these animals without getting exposed to any of peri‑parturient disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of weekly critical micro-nutrient (CMN) supplementation during the periparturient period on the lactation performance of Murrah buffaloes. MethodsWeekly CMN (vitamins E, A, and niacin with minerals Co, Cr, Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation during the periparturient period (56 days prepartum, till 56 days post-partum) was performed on twenty-two healthy Murrah buffaloes during their advanced stage of gestation following dividing them into two groups of 11 buffaloes in each group, representing control and supplemented (Treatment) groups. Buffaloes were selected and sustained on recommended practices of feeding as per nutrient requirements, except the inclusion of CMN supplement once a week in the treatment group's buffaloes after proper mixing with common concentrate mixture being fed to buffaloes. Weekly milk production recording was carried out with analysis of milk quality parameters, for an initial 10 weeks of the lactation. ResultsThe treatment helped in improving the milk production record of buffaloes; total milk yield by 18 % and fat-corrected milk by 30 % (P < 0.05). It leads to qualitative improvement as well (percentage of milk fat and protein, P < 0.05). ConclusionIt may be concluded that weekly supplementation of critical micronutrients during the periparturient period helps improve buffalo milk production performance.

Thyroid dysfunction due to trace element deficiency-not only selenium but also zinc.

Levels of serum selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) decrease when total parental nutrition (TPN) is administered without trace element supplementation for just a few weeks. These trace elements are involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and their deficiencies cause thyroid dysfunction. However, there have been few reports on the details of its clinical course. A 50-year-old man presented with thyroid dysfunction due to Se and Zn deficiency. He had an approximately 70-cm residual small intestine after undergoing intestinal resection and he received TPN without trace element supplementation for one and a half months. Blood tests revealed high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) and low levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3). An abnormal pattern of thyroid function led to suspicion of Se deficiency. Se supplementation raised FT3 levels and lowered FT4 levels to within their respective reference ranges; however, subclinical hypothyroidism persisted with transient TSH elevation. We suspected that Zn deficiency also contributed to the hypothyroidism and, therefore, initiated Zn supplementation, which resulted in normalization of thyroid function. Although thyroid dysfunction has been reported in many studies conducted on Se and Zn deficiencies, hormonal patterns vary between reports. Further accumulation of cases, including detailed data on nutritional status, would be of benefit to elucidate the clinical reality. It is important to consider Se and Zn deficiencies when TSH and FT4 levels are elevated. It should also be noted that transient TSH elevation may be observed with Se supplementation.