Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal microarchitecture in broilers

Abstract

In poultry nutrition, zinc supplementation is typically achieved through the addition of zinc oxide or zinc sulfate to the feed. The alternative approach of organic sources utilizes an organic ligand to bind zinc (Zn), resulting in higher bioavailability. Thus, a study was conducted to assess and compare the impact of a methionine-complexed Zn versus an inorganic Zn on growth, blood biochemical profile, gut histomorphology, and fecal excretion of Zn in broilers. The experimental design included two treatments: the addition of a zinc amino acid complex or zinc oxide to the basal diet. The zinc amino acid complex was supplemented at a dose equivalent to the inorganic zinc (Zn-80), while the organic zinc was provided at levels of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg to a total of 400 broilers. There were five treatments in total, and each treatment was replicated four times. Broilers supplemented with an organic form of Zn at the level of 80 mg/kg had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (F/G). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher Zn excretion was recorded in broilers supplemented with inorganic Zn supplementation. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher villus length and width, their ratio, and lower (p < 0.05) crypt depth were observed in birds supplemented with 80 mg/kg organic Zn. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that Zn from an organic source at the rate of 80 mg/kg was superior in terms of growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and less excretion of Zn to the environment in broilers.

Keywords:

• Broilers
• source of zinc
• bioavailability
• growth
• gut health

Acknowledgment

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research and Innovation, “Ministry of Education” in Saudi Arabia, for funding this research (IFKSUOR3-221-2).

Ethical approval

The Committee on Animal Rights and Welfare, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, approved this study (PS/25/2023).

Consent to participate

All authors are agreed to submit the article to this journal

Consent to publish

All authors are agreed to publish in this journal

Availability of data and materials

On request.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no relevant competing interest in the contents of this article.

Disclosure statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.