Effect of Supplementation of Nano Zinc on Rumen Fermentation and Fiber Degradability in Goats

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of nano-zinc as a feed supplement on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility in goats (Capra hircus). Nano-sized zinc was synthesized by using 0.45M aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and 0.9M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide as a salt of ZnO in nano form (NZnO). The particle size thus obtained was 74 nm and later it was confirmed to be zinc by using TEM-EDAX. Twenty-four male goats were divided in four groups on the basis of BW and were supplemented with either a basal diet with concentrate and straw at 50: 50 ratio (Control) alone or supplemented with 50 ppm zinc from inorganic ZnO (IZn-50), 50 ppm zinc from NZnO (NZn-50) or 25 ppm zinc from NZnO (NZn-25). The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, total carbohydrates, and nutritive value of the diets in terms of DCP, TDN (%) and ME (Mcal/kg) did not vary (P>0.05) among treatment groups. The ADF and cellulose digestibility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in all three zinc supplemented groups than control. Supplementation of graded doses of NZn did not alter the individual and total ruminal VFA profile in goats, but the soluble zinc content in the rumen liquor was higher in NZn-50 than NZn-25 and control. The rumen pH and protozoa count was higher in NZn-50 than control, IZn-50, and NZn-25. Nano Zn at 50 mg/kg DM altered the rumen pH, total protozoa count, fibre degradation and soluble zinc content in goats without affecting the individual and total VFA profile. It is concluded that nano Zn can be supplemented at half the dose of inorganic Zn without affecting rumen VFA profile, rumen soluble Zn content in goats.