Effect of Hydroxylated Copper And Zinc Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Health And Productivity in Barbari Goats

Abstract

The impact of hydroxylated Cu (10 mg/kg) and hydroxylated Zn (50 mg/kg) supplementation either alone or in combination on nutrient utilization, health and productivity was assessed in barbari goats during growth and peripartum period. A total of 24 Barbari goat kids, aged between 4 to 6 months in were randomly assigned into four groups for phase 1 study. Control group fed on basal diet designated as gCON whereas, 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were feda basal diet supplemented with 10 mg hydroxylated Cu/ kg DM (gHCu), 50 mg of hydroxylated Zn/kg DM (gHZn) and 10 mg hydroxylated Cu + 50 mg hydroxylated Zn per kg DM (pHCZ). For phase 2 studies, 24 pregnant Barbari goats of 45 days pre-partum, (2 to 4 years of age) were randomly divided into four groups; pCON (basal diet), pHCu (basal diet + 10 mg hydroxylated Cu/kg DM), gHZn (basal diet + 50 mg hydroxylated Zn/kg DM) and gHCZ (basal diet + 10 mg hydroxylated copper and 50 mg hydroxylated Zn per kg DM). The nutrient requirements of experimental goats in both phases were met by feeding total mixed ration as per NRC (2007). Fortnightly weight, offered basal feed and the refusals were recorded to evaluate BW, DMI and FCR. Nutrient utilization was determined by conducting a six-day metabolic trial in both phases. Whole blood was used for evaluation of hematological parameters whereas; plasma samples were used for analysis of biochemical parameters. Antioxidant assay determined from haemolysate. The Agilent 5800 ICP-OES instrument was used for quantification of minerals. Live kids numbers at birth, does mortality percent, still birth numbers, kids birth weight and survivability after first week, etc. were determined for reproductive efficiency. Pregnancy variables were derived from the live weight changes of gravid does. Composition of colostrums was assessed, immediately after parturition. On the basis of findings reported in growing and peripartum studies, it can concluded that supplementation of 10mg hydroxy Cu and 50 mg hydroxy Zn per kg of DM, either alone or in combination improved growth performance, health, antioxidant status and, no harmfull effect observed on hemato-biochemical indices of growing and paripartum barbari goats. Post natal performance was also improved on supplementation of hydroxy Cu and Zn in late gestation and early lactation. However, hydroxy Cu and Zn supplementation did not affect the nutrient utilization in goats during growth and peripartum period.