Dietary supplementation of copper and zinc nanoparticles in young dairy calves: Effects on growth performance and nutrients utilization

The use of nanotechnology to produce nano-sized minerals is a potential alternative to both organic and inorganic sources. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of nano copper (Cu) or nano zinc (Zn) alone or in combination on the growth performance and nutrients utilization in young calves. A total of twenty-four young cattle calves were randomly assigned into four groups (6 calves per group) on body weight and age basis for a period of 120 days. Experimental calves were either received a basal diet devoid of supplemental Cu (control) or were supplemented with 10 ppm nano Cu (_nanoCu₁₀), 32 ppm nano Zn (_nanoZn₃₂) or combination of nano Cu and nano Zn (_nanoCu₁₀+ _nanoZn₃₂). Experimental calves were monitored fortnightly for body weight change. Adigestion cum metabolism trial was conducted to determine the bioavailability of minerals. Dietary supplementation of either nano Cu or nano Zn alone or in combination did not exert any effect on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility. Eventhough, the nano Cu and nano Zn supplementation exerts a positive effect on its absorption in respective groups but there were no effect on the absorption of other studied minerals. Absorption and bioavailability of Cu is higher in_nano Cu₁₀ as well as in combination group (_nanoCu₁₀+ _nanoZn₃₂). However, Absorption and bio availability of Zn was higher in _nanoZn₃₂ and combination group (_nanoCu₁₀+ _nanoZn₃₂). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of nano Cu and Zn improve bioavailability of Cu and Zn without having any adverse effect on the nutrient digestibility and growth performance. Similarly, dietary supplementation of nano Cu and Zn did not exert any interaction with other minerals.