Zinc in a Combination with Magnesium Helps Reducing Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Quails

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc (Zn) along with magnesium (Mg) is effective in alleviating the negative effects of heat stress in Japanese quails. One hundred and twenty 10-day-old healthy Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, three replicates of ten birds each. The birds were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 30 mg of Zn/kg of diet, 600 mg of Mg/kg of diet, or 30 mg of Zn + 600 mg of Mg/kg of diet. The birds were kept under a high temperature (35 degrees C) for 8 h/day. Feed consumption was greatest with the combination of Zn and Mg supplementation (P < 0.01). Hot and chilled dressing percentages were greater (P < 0.05) with Zn- and Mg-supplemented diets. Concentrations of plasma malondialdehyde were lower (P < 0.01) with both Zn and Mg supplementations. Mg concentrations in the serum remained similar with either Zn or Mg supplements in the diet (P > 0.05). Serum glucose concentrations were lowest in birds fed the basal diet. Supplementing a combination of Zn and Mg may offer a potential protective management practice in preventing heat stress-related depression in performance of quails.

The effect of purslane hydroextract and zinc on performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity of broiler chickens during summer conditions

“…Zinc supplementation (20 to 60 mg kg −1 diet) ameliorated oxidative stress in broiler chickens by increasing the activity of copper-zinc SOD and finally decreased lipid peroxidation (Bun et al, 2011). Furthermore it is reported that the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, decreases with dietary zinc supplementation in heat-stressed quails (Sahin et al, 2006;Kucuk, 2008). Sunder et al (2008) demonstrated that antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) significantly increased in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with zinc up to 80 mg kg −1 .…”

Influence of Dietary Zinc and Vitamin C Supplementation on Some Blood Biochemical Parameters and Egg Production in Free-Range Laying Hens

“…Nutritional strategies are important with regard to maintaining egg productivity and limiting the temperature stress using appropriate supplements (micronutrients, vitamins, minerals) in rations (Wiesinger, 2001;Heinzen and Pollack, 2003;Rodenburg et al, 2005;Lin et al, 2006;Sahin et al, 2009). In temperature stress conditions, many authors recommend the addition of zinc compounds alone or combined with other supplements in the diet because of its antioxidant and anti-stress effect (Kienholz et al, 1992;Sahin, et al, 2002Sahin, et al, , 2005Nollet et al, 2008;Kucuk, 2008;Kucuk et al, 2003Kucuk et al, , 2008. Furthermore, the addition of this element is justified by its reduced retention in the body during stress (Bartlett and Smith, 2003).…”

Short communication. Dietary supplementation effects of zinc acetate and magnesium sulfate on performance and antioxidant status of broilers under continuous heat stress

“…The magnesium (Mg) is the other required mineral for good health in humans and animals (Kucuk, 2008). It is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.…”

“…It is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. The Mg helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong (Kucuk, 2008). The Mg deficiency is also related to oxidative stress in chicks, rats, and humans (Boujelben et al, 2006;Yang et al, 2006).…”

“…The Mg deficiency is also related to oxidative stress in chicks, rats, and humans (Boujelben et al, 2006;Yang et al, 2006). Consequently, the dietary requirements of both Mg and Zn increases in birds under heat stress and hence the dietary concentrations of these minerals should be higher under such circumstances (Kucuk, 2008). The NRC (1994) recommends the levels of 40 to 75 mg kg -1 for Zn and lower than 0.6 g kg -1 dry matter for Mg in poultry diets.…”