Comparative efficacy of nano zinc with inorganic zinc on nutrient digestibility and mineral availability in barbari goats

Present experiment was conducted to compare the effect of nano and inorganic Zinc supplementation on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth performance and mineral availability in Barbari bucks. Twenty four Barbari bucks (1.5-2 years, 35±2.84 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups (Gr 1, Gr 2, Gr 3 and Gr 4) having six bucks in each groups and fed for 90 days. Nutrients requirement of experimental bucks was met by feeding concentrate mixture, gram straw and corn silage as basal diet. Gr 1 fed on basal diet with no supplementation served as a control. Treatment groups (Gr 2, Gr 3 and Gr 4) were supplemented, 20.0 ppm inorganic zinc, 20.0 and 10.0 ppm of nano zinc respectively. Experimental bucks were monitored daily for DM intake (DMI) and fortnightly body weight change. At the end of the study, a digestion trial of 7 days was conducted to study the effect of inorganic and nano zinc supplementation on nutrients utilization. The results revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference in body weight change, feed intake and nutrient digestibility in the experimental groups fed on either inorganic or nano form of supplemental Zn. No significant (P>0.05) effect on Ca, P, Cu and Fe intake and absorption (%) was observed on dietary supplementation of nano and inorganic Zn. However, the retention of Zn (mg/d) was significantly higher in G3 than G4 and G2 groups indicating better bioavailability of zinc when supplemented in nano form at 20 ppm level in Barbari bucks.