Role of dietary nano-zinc oxide on growth performance and blood levels of mineral: A study on in Iranian Angora (Markhoz)goat kids

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the possible effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) and nano zinc oxide<br />(nZnO) on growth performance as well as the level of Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn in Markhoz goat kids<br />blood samples. Thirty 5-6 months male Markhoz goat kids were supplemented with 22.12 mg of<br />Zn/ kg DM as basal diet for 70 days. Zinc was administered at daily doses of zero, 20 and 40<br />ppm in ZnO group , and 20 and 40 ppm in nZnO group by adding to their basal diet. Animals<br />were weighed fortnightly to obtain average daily gain (ADG). Blood samples were taken for<br />analyzing blood mineral level at baseline and days 35 and 70. No significant difference in food<br />intake and ADG was identified between Zn supplemented and control groups. Zn supplementation<br />did not affect the blood mineral levels in kids except for plasma Zn concentration on day<br />35 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results show that ZnO and nZnO at applied concentrations does not<br />affect growth performance and composition of blood minerals in Markhoz goat kids.