Nano zinc supplementation compared with other zinc forms: effects on growth performance, serum concentrations, and economic evaluation in broiler chickens

Abstract

The current study's aim was to assess how different zinc sources affected the broilers' growth performance, economic evaluation, and serum concentrations. One-day-old "Cobb" broiler chicks (n = 192) with an average initial body weight of 44.10 g and were randomly distributed into 6 groups. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups were supplied with inorganic zinc oxide, inorganic zinc sulphate monohydrate, and organic zinc methionine, respectively, at a level of 100 mg Zn/kg diet. While the 4th, 5th, and 6th groups were supplied with nano zinc oxide (NZnO) at a level of 20, 10, and 5 mg Zn/kg diet, respectively. The study exposed that NZnO at a level of 5 mg Zn/kg (G6) achieved a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in final body weight and cumulative body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency. Nano zinc oxide in G5 and G6 significantly achieved the best results in economic efficiency enhancement (P < 0.05). NZnO (G6) increased superoxide dismutase activity and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels either significantly (P < 0.05) compared to G1, G2, G3, and G4 or numerically with G5. The addition of NZnO lessens blood serum MDA (malondialdehyde), alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST), and creatinine levels. The nano zinc oxide in G4, G5, and G6 achieved the best performance, enhanced antioxidant activity, and improved lipid profiling, liver, and kidney functions. The positive results were more noticeable in the G6. Therefore, applying NZnO (5 mg Zn/kg diet) is a new promising feed additive in the broiler industry.