Superior growth performance in broiler chicks fed chelated compared to inorganic zinc in presence of elevated dietary copper

Abstract

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to compare the antagonism of elevated dietary Cu (250 mg/kg) from CuSO4 on three different Zn sources (ZnSO4 · H2O; [Zn bis(−2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid)], Zn(HMTBa)2, a chelated Zn methionine hydroxy analogue; and Zn-Methionine), as measured using multiple indices of animal performance in ROSS 308 broilers.MethodsThree experiments were conducted in broiler chicks fed a semi-purified diet. All birds were fed a Zn-deficient diet (8.5 mg/kg diet) for 1 wk, and then provided with the experimental diets for 2 wks.ResultsExperiment 1 was a 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of Cu (8 vs. 250 mg/kg diet from CuSO4) and two Zn sources at 30 mg/kg [ZnSO4 · H2O vs. Zn(HMTBa)2]. Elevated Cu impaired growth performance only in birds fed ZnSO4. Compared to ZnSO4 · H2O, Zn(HMTBa)2 improved feed intake (12 %; P < 0.001) and weight gain (12 %, P < 0.001) and the benefits were more pronounced in the presence of 250 mg/kg diet Cu. Experiment 2 was a dose titration of ZnSO4 · H2O and Zn(HMTBa)2 at 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg/kg diet in the presence of 250 mg/kg CuSO4. Feed:gain was decreased and tibia Zn was increased with increasing Zn levels from 30 to 75 mg/kg. Birds fed Zn(HMTBa)2 consumed more food and gained more weight compared to birds fed ZnSO4, especially at lower supplementation levels (30 and 45 mg/kg; interaction P < 0,05). Experiment 3 compared two organic Zn sources (Zn(HMTBa)2 vs. Zn-Methionine) at 30 mg/kg with or without 250 mg/kg CuSO4. No interactions were observed between Zn sources and Cu levels on performance or tissue mineral concentrations. High dietary Cu decreased weight gain (P < 0.01). Tibia Cu and liver Cu were significantly increased with 250 mg/kg dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.01). No difference was observed between the two Zn sources.ConclusionsDietary 250 mg/kg Cu significantly impaired feed intake and weight gain in birds fed ZnSO4 · H2O, but had less impact in birds fed Zn(HMTBa)2. No difference was observed between the two organic zinc sources. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that chelated organic Zn is better utilized than inorganic zinc in the presence of elevated Cu.

Comparative Effects of Inorganic and Three Forms of Organic Trace Minerals on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Immunity and Profitability of Broilers

“…Better survivability in OTM fed groups indicates that birds belonging to inorganic group were less efficient to adopt with hot humid conditions. These findings agreed with the results of the recent studies [23,25,28].…”

“…Baloch et al [23] observed that OTM and ITM, when used in the diet, had no significant effect on FCR, which agreed with our result. Zhao et al [25] also showed that FCR was not affected by chelated Cu and three different sources of Zn as compared with inorganic zinc. Feed conversion, mortality, and tibia Zn were not affected by dietary treatments ( p > 0.5).…”

Effectiveness of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and average daily gain in pre-weaned dairy calves: A double-blind, block-randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…In fact, the underlying mechanism of action of oral zinc remains unknown [6]. Several theories of the mechanisms of action of zinc in the prevention and treatment of childhood diarrhea exist, including a mucosal-protective role, a diarrhea-induced zinc deficiency, an essential element in cell-mediated immunity, and a modifier of intra-luminal electrolyte secretion and absorption [6,[37][38][39].…”

Nutritional significance of amino acids, vitamins and minerals as nutraceuticals in poultry production and health – a comprehensive review

“…The inorganic and organic forms of minerals affected growth performance, carcass characteristics, bone quality, and chemical composition of poultry birds. Chelated forms of minerals are also being used for better results (Zhao et al 2016). Increased levels of minerals like zinc along with phytase in diets of poultry lead to better utilization of nutrients and enhance production performances (Akter et al 2017).…”