1Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
3Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
Department of Animal Husbandry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author: gulabdrvet@gmail.com
Online published on 29 November, 2018.
Eighteen (12–15 months) buffalo calves were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each in randomized block design. The control group received basal diet with no supplemental Zn (control) while animals in ZS nad ZM groups were supplemented with 40 ppm Zn in form of zinc sulphate heptahydtrae and zinc methionine, respectively for 90 days. Body weight gain was higher (P<0.05) in ZM and ZS groups than control group. Feed conversion ratio was lower (P<0.05) in Zn supplemented groups than control group. Hemoglobin concentration showed significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments. Packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, neutrophil and lymphocyte values were higher (P<0.05) in ZM and ZS groups than in control group. Basophil, eosinophil and monocyte levels were similar in all the groups. Total protein, globulin, and glucose concentration was higher (P<0.05) in ZM and ZS groups compared to control group Plasma concentration of albumin and total immunoglobin was higher (P<0.05) in ZM group. Buffalo calves that received zinc methionine showed improved immunological status as compared to control.
Buffalo calves, Growth performance, Hemato-biochemical profile, Zinc sources
