Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Zinc Status in Goats as Affected by Supplementary Zinc Sources

Eighteen goat kids weighing 22.84±1.68 kg (8–9 months of age) were divided into 3 groups of six animals each in order to study the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation through different sources (ZnO and ZnSO₄) on growth, nutrient utilization and blood Zn profile. Animals were fed on gram straw and concentrate mixture for 90 days to meet their requirements. Kids of control group (T₁) were fed on gram straw and concentrate mixture (maize grain 55, groundnut cake 18, soybean meal 7, deoiled rice polish 17, mineral mixture without Zn 2 and common salt 1part). The concentrate mixtures fed to the goats in the experimental groups T₂ and T₃ were supplemented with 45 mg of ZnO and ZnSO₄ per kg, respectively. The DM intake, digestibility of DM, OM and CF and nutritive values of rations in terms of DCP and TDN were comparable in three groups. Digestibility of CP, EE and NFE, intake of DCP and TDN, N retention, Zn intake, serum and hair, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were better (P<0.05) in groups T₂ and T₃ as compared to T₁, however, response was similar in ZnO and ZnSO₄ supplemented kids. Hence, supplementation of Zn oxide or ZnSO₄ as source of Zn in concentrate mixture of kids increased growth performance, nutrient utilization, improved feed conversion efficiency and enhanced Zn level in blood serum and hair.