Effect of zinc imprinting and replacing inorganic zinc with organic zinc on early performance of broiler chicks

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of feeding a zinc (Zn) deficient diet to broiler chicks for 96 h post-hatch followed by feeding diets with different Zn sources and supplemental levels (5 to 21 d) on the growth performance, tissue, and excreta Zn content. At the start of the study, four hundred 20-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into two groups. One group was fed a corn soybean meal based diet containing 25 mg of Zn/kg (imprinting diet, ID). The second group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 40 mg of Zn/kg from Zn oxide (ZnO) (non-imprinting diet, NID). Both groups were fed these diets for 96 h. At d 5, chicks from each group were randomly assigned to the dietary treatments consisting of the basal diet alone or the basal diet supplemented with 8 or 40 mg/kg Zn as ZnO or Zn proteinate. Main effects of post-hatch Zn ID were observed on feed intake and G:F. ID decreased (P < 0.05) feed intake and improved (P < 0.05) the gain to feed ratio (G:F) of 14 and 21 d old chicks compared to G:F of chicks fed NID. Additionally, G:F for 14 and 21 d was improved (P < 0.05) by interaction of Zn source × level. Furthermore, at d 21 chicks fed the ID had a lower (P < 0.05) Zn content in the tibia ash and excreta, and a higher (P < 0.05) Zn content in the pancreas tissue compared to chicks fed NID. These results suggest that Zn imprinting can affect body Zn stores and early performance.

Increasing zinc levels in phytase-supplemented diets improves the performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens

“…This is partly in agreement with Mwangi et al (2017) who reported that supplementing diet with 40 mg/kg Zn increased the tibia Zn concentration compared to a diet with 8 mg Zn/kg. According to Vieira et al (2013) supplementation of 40 and 100 mg Zn/kg of diets had no statistically significant difference in tibia Zn deposition.…”

Copper and zinc sources and levels of zinc inclusion influence growth performance, tissue trace mineral content, and carcass yield of broiler chickens

“…Mwangi et al (2017) noted that chicks fed low Zn (imprinted diet) caught up on day 21 with those fed normal-level Zn with regard to their liver Zn. This shows the ability of chicks to regulate their Zn utilization to achieve homeostasis when there is low dietary Zn.…”

Effects of Different Zinc Sources on Performance, Bio Distribution of Minerals and Expression of Genes Related to Metabolism of Broiler Chickens

“…In the same line, Sunder et al [42] reported that the addition of organic Zn to broilers (80 ppm/kg diet) lead to higher minerals precipitation (Zn and Mn) in the bone. Also, Mwangi et al [43] specified that increasing dietary Zn and Mn supplementation were desired for a higher mineral storage in the liver. Ivanišinová, et al [44] reported that higher bioavailability of organic Zn associated with its higher concentration in the hepatic tissues.…”