Early growth and environmental implications of dietary zinc and copper concentrations and sources of broiler chicks

1. Environmental accumulation of zinc and copper is becoming a concern in areas having intensive animal production. This study examined performance and excretion of broiler chicks given diets supplemented with graded concentrations of zinc and copper from three different sources. 2. Two experiments were conducted, each utilising 570 1-d-old chicks. In Experiment 1, chicks were given diets containing supplemental zinc concentrations from 40 to 120 mg/kg supplied as zinc sulphate, a zinc amino acid complex (Availa Zn), or a combination of zinc sulphate and Availa Zn with each contributing one-half of the total supplemental zinc. In Experiment 2, broiler chicks were given diets with graded concentrations of supplemental copper ranging from 4 to 12 mg/kg from copper sulphate, a copper amino acid complex (Availa Cu), or a combination of copper sulphate and Availa Cu with each contributing one-half of the total supplemental copper. 3. During the 17-d experimental period, mineral concentration or source did not influence body weight, feed conversion, or the incidence of mortality from 1 to 17 d. 4. Decreasing dietary zinc concentration from 120 to 40 mg/kg reduced zinc excretion by 50%. 5. Copper excretion was decreased by 35% as supplemental copper was reduced from 12 to 4 mg/kg. 6. Reducing dietary zinc and copper concentrations can potentially decrease the accumulation of heavy metals in the environment without compromising bird performance.     

饲粮锌对肉鸡生长性能、组织含锌酶活性以及金属硫蛋白含量的影响

选用720只1日龄商品代AA肉公鸡进行试验,研究饲粮中添加不同水平无机锌对肉仔鸡生长性能、肝脏铜锌超氧化物歧化酶(CuZnSOD)活性和肾脏金属硫蛋白(MT)含量的影响,以考核这些指标对评价肉仔鸡锌营养状况的意义。将肉鸡按平均体重随机分成8个处理组,分别饲喂不添加锌的玉米-豆粕型基础饲粮(对照组,含锌28.37mg/kg)和在对照组基础饲粮中以无机硫酸锌形式分别添加20、40、60、80、100、120mg/kg和140mg/kg锌的试验饲粮21d。结果表明:肉仔鸡的日增重、日采食量和肾脏MT含量均受到添加锌水平的显著影响(P<0.05),其中肾脏MT含量受锌水平影响极显著(P<0.01),而不同锌水平对肝脏CuZnSOD活性无显著影响(P>0.1)。这表明对于肉仔鸡,肾脏MT可能是评价机体锌营养状况的敏感指标。     

Nano-sized Zinc in Broiler Chickens: Effects on Growth Performance,Zinc Concentration in Organs,and Intestinal Morphology

The effects of dietary supplementation of zinc (Zn) sources and concentrations were investigated on growth performance, absorption into tissues, fecal excretion, nutrient retention, and intestinal morphology in broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. A total of 525 one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were assigned based on body weight to seven dietary treatments. There were five replicate pens for each treatment and 15 broilers per replicate pen. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (control, without supplementing Zn), and basal diet supplemented with Zn, as inorganic zinc sulfate (ZnS; 110 mg/kg); organic Zn-methionine (ZnM; 110 mg/kg); hot-melt extruded (HME) 25 zinc sulfate (27.5 mg/kg); HME50 zinc sulfate (55 mg/kg); HME75 zinc sulfate (82.5 mg/kg); or HME100 zinc sulfate (110 mg/kg) for 35 days in two phases (d 1–21, phase I and d 22–35, phase II). Bodyweight and feed efficiency of broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with increasing dietary concentrations of HME-Zn improved linearly during the study period (P<0.05). Compared to the control treatment, the ZnS, ZnM, and HME diets increased Zn concentrations in the serum and liver. Inorganic ZnS supply resulted in the highest Zn concentration in excreta. Increasing supplemented Zn content in diets as HME linearly increased Zn concentration in the excreta, serum, liver, and tibia. Broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with increasing concentrations of HME increased villus height (VH; linear and quadratic) of the jejunum and VH of the ileum (linear). Increasing concentrations of dietary Zn supplied as HME resulted in linearly enhanced dry matter, gross energy, and nitrogen retention of broilers on day 21. These results suggest that dietary HME-Zn at a lower level (55 ppm) shows the same growth performance as common ZnSO₄ at 110 ppm.     

1～21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量的研究

本试验旨在研究饲粮不同硒添加水平对1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡生长性能和抗氧化性能的影响,以探讨快大型岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲养前期的饲粮硒适宜供给量。选用1日龄健康、发育良好的快大型岭南黄羽肉公雏鸡1 200只,根据体重随机分为5个组,每组6个重复,每个重复40只鸡,试验1组(对照组)饲喂基础饲粮(硒水平为0.039 mg/kg),试验2~5组饲粮在基础饲粮中分别添加0.075、0.150、0.225和0.300 mg/kg硒,试验期21 d。结果表明:本试验条件下:1)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.300 mg/kg硒显著降低1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的末重(P0.05),显著提高料重比(P0.05),且0.300 mg/kg硒添加组的平均日增重显著低于其他各水平硒添加组(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.075和0.150 mg/kg硒显著提高21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P0.05),饲粮添加0.225和0.300 mg/kg硒显著降低血浆丙二醛(MDA)含量(P0.05)。各水平硒添加组的红细胞GSH-Px活性均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。3)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.075、0.150和0.225mg/kg硒显著提高21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的肝脏GSH-Px活性(P0.05),0.075和0.150 mg/kg硒添加组的肝脏MDA含量显著低于对照组和0.300 mg/kg硒添加组(P0.05)。综合考虑,为获得较好生长性能和抗氧化性能,1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜添加水平为0.075 mg/kg,基础饲粮中硒水平为0.039 mg/kg,则1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量为0.114 mg/kg;以肝脏MDA含量为依据,通过非线性回归分析估测得到1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量为0.130 mg/kg。     

Effects of supplemental zinc concentration and source on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum values in finishing beef steers

Three studies were conducted to examine the effects of zinc concentration or source in diets of finishing beef steers. In Exp. 1, 108 (British x Continental) beef steers were supplemented with concentrations of added zinc (as ZnSO4) at 20, 100, or 200 mg/kg of dietary DM. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted among treatments for ADG or gain:feed for the 112-d finishing period. However, a linear (P < 0.10) decrease was noted in daily DMI with increasing zinc concentrations for the overall finishing period. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted in hot carcass weight; dressing percentage; longissimus muscle area; percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat; or marbling score. There were, however, quadratic increases in s.c. fat thickness (P < 0.05) and yield grade (P < 0.01) with added zinc. In Exp. 2, 12 beef steers were used to examine effects of added dietary zinc on serum concentrations of cholesterol and fatty acid profiles. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed in cholesterol or fatty acids among the supplemental zinc levels. In Exp. 3, 84 Brangus- and Angus-sired steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing 30 mg of supplemental zinc per kilogram of dietary DM from one of the following sources: 1) ZnSO4, 2) Zn amino acid complex, or 3) a zinc polysaccharide complex. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted for the overall 126-d trial for ADG, DMI, or gain:feed ratio. Percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat was increased (P < 0.10) in steers supplemented with ZnSO4 vs the average of Zn amino acid and Zn polysaccharide complexes. However, s.c. fat thickness was greater (P < 0.10) in steers supplemented with Zn amino acid and Zn polysaccharide complexes vs ZnSO4. Serum zinc concentration did not differ (P > 0.10) among zinc sources. Supplemental zinc concentration in finishing diets did not seem to influence feedlot performance and had a minimal impact on carcass quality. Either the organic or inorganic source can be included in finishing diets without affecting feedlot performance.     

Effect of vitamin E level and dietary zinc source on performance and intestinal health parameters in male broilers exposed to a temperature challenge in the finisher period

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of zinc source (ZnSO₄ vs. zinc amino acid complex) and vitamin E level (50 IU vs. 100 IU) on performance and intestinal health of broilers exposed to a temperature challenge in the finisher period. A total of 1224 day old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed among 4 dietary treatments (9 replicates per treatment). Dietary treatments were organized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two sources of zinc, 60 mg/kg of Zn as ZnSO₄.7H₂O or 60 mg/kg of Zn as zinc amino acid complexes (ZnAA) combined with two levels of vitamin E (50 or 100 IU/kg). Zinc and vitamin E were added to a wheat/rye-based diet that was designed to create a mild nutritional challenge. From day 28 until day 36 (finisher period), all birds were subjected to chronic cyclic high temperatures (32°C ± 2°C and RH 55–65% for 6 h daily). The combination of ZnAA and 50 IU/kg of vitamin E improved weight gain in the starter (day 0–10), finisher (day 28–36) and overall period (day 0–36) and feed conversion ratio in the starter (day 0–10) and finisher phase (day 28–36). Providing Zn as ZnAA significantly improved villus length and villus/crypt ratio in the starter, grower and finisher period and decreased infiltration of T-lymphocytes and ovotransferrin leakage in the finisher period. In conclusion, providing broilers with a diet supplemented with ZnAA and a vitamin E level of 50 IU/kg, resulted in better growth performance as compared to all other dietary treatments. Interestingly, under the conditions of this study, positive effects of ZnAA on performance did not occur when vitamin E was supplemented at 100 IU/kg in feed. Moreover, providing zinc as zinc amino acid complex improved intestinal health.     

Assessment of dietary zinc requirement of weaned piglets fed diets with or without microbial phytase

Fifty-four pigs, weaned at 26 days of age at an average body weight of 7.74 kg were used in a 26-day experiment to assess the zinc requirement of piglets, using diets based on maize and soybean meal, with or without microbial phytase. The nine experimental diets were the basal diet containing 33 mg of zinc/kg supplemented with 10, 25, 40, 60 or 80 mg of zinc as sulphate (ZnSO(4), 7H(2)O)/kg and the basal diet supplemented with 0, 10, 25 or 40 mg of zinc as sulphate/kg and 700 units (U) of microbial phytase (Natuphos)/kg. Pigs were fed the basal diet for a 7-day adjustment period prior to the 19-day experimental period. Microbial phytase enhanced plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, plasma zinc and bone zinc concentrations. These parameters increased linearly with zinc intake, with a similar slope with and without phytase. The response of bone zinc-to-zinc added did not plateau. Without microbial phytase, plasma AP activity and zinc concentration were maximized when dietary zinc reached 86 and 92 mg/kg respectively. With microbial phytase they were maximized when dietary zinc concentration reached 54 and 49 mg/kg respectively. Accounting for a safety margin, the recommended supply of zinc for weaned piglets up to 16 kg fed maize-soybean meal diets supplemented with zinc as sulphate is thus of 100-110 mg/kg diet. This supply may be reduced by around 35 mg if the diet is supplemented with 700 U of microbial phytase.     

Effects of dietary copper on the expression of lipogenic genes and metabolic hormones in steers

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Cu supplementation on performance, subcutaneous adipose tissue mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and leptin in growing and finishing steers. Forty-eight purebred Angus steers were allotted to one of five treatments: 1) control (no supplemental Cu); 2) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from CuSO4; 3) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from a Cu amino acid complex (Availa Cu); 4) 20 mg Cu/kg DM from CuSO4; 5) 20 mg Cu/kg DM from Availa Cu. Steers were fed an alfalfa hay corn-based diet for 56 d (basal diet contained 7.1 mg Cu/kg DM) and switched to a high-concentrate diet for 144 d (basal diet contained 6.1 mg Cu/kg DM). Blood samples were obtained every 28 d throughout the entire experiment. On d 112 of the finishing period, subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from the tailhead of three animals per treatment and analyzed for ACC, SCD, UCP2, and leptin mRNA expression. Animal performance was not affected by Cu supplementation during the growing phase. Steers receiving 10 mg Cu/kg DM from Availa Cu had higher (P < 0.05) ending body weights and tended (P < 0.10) to have higher ADG than steers receiving 10 mg Cu/kg DM from CuSO4 during the finishing phase. Serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acid and insulin were not affected by Cu supplementation. Steers receiving supplemental Cu tended (P < 0.11) to have less backfat relative to controls. However, dietary Cu did not influence the level of subcutaneous adipose tissue ACC and SCD mRNA. Neither UCP2 nor leptin gene expression was affected by Cu supplementation. These results indicate that dietary Cu supplementation (10 to 20 mg Cu/kg DM diet) may alter lipid metabolism of subcutaneous adipose tissue; however, it does not seem to affect expression of certain lipogenic genes.     

22～42日龄肉鸡铜、铁、锌、锰不同用量组合的研究

本试验旨在研究饲粮中铜、铁、锌、锰含量对22~42日龄肉鸡生长性能和粪中铜、铁、锌、锰排泄量的影响,进而对微量元素的平衡模式进行探讨。选取940只1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉公鸡,1~21日龄统一饲喂铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为16.96、166.66、46.01、60.26 mg/kg的玉米-豆粕型饲粮。试验选用22日龄、体况良好、体重接近的AA肉公鸡900只,随机分为15组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,基础饲粮中铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为8、125、40、60 mg/kg,试验组饲喂在基础饲粮中按照均匀设计原则添加2~8 mg/kg铜、10~35 mg/kg铁、10~40 mg/kg锌、15~60 mg/kg锰组成的14种试验饲粮。测定肉鸡试验期生长性能,并于38~42日龄时采集粪样测定铜、铁、锌、锰含量。结果表明:1)饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量在NRC推荐量至2倍NRC推荐量范围时,对22~42日龄肉鸡的平均日增重(ADG)和料重比(F/G)无显著影响(P0.05)。2)由最优解分析得出,粪中铜排泄量最低为23.11 mg/kg时,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为7.15、116.28、82.82、60.95 mg/kg;铁排泄量最低为438.34 mg/kg时,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为14.78、116.81、38.15、63.72 mg/kg;锌排泄量最低为102.60 mg/kg时,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为7.69、127.40、40.70、133.26 mg/kg;锰排泄量最低为159.37 mg/kg时,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为11.07、136.97、46.13、59.05 mg/kg;粪中铜、铁、锌、锰总排泄量最低为218.94 mg/kg时,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量分别为7.36、125.74、38.23、62.76 mg/kg。综上所述,饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰含量在NRC推荐量至2倍NRC推荐量范围时对22~42日龄肉鸡的生长性能无显著影响;粪中铜、铁、锌、锰任一元素的排泄量均受饲粮中其他微量元素添加量的影响,且针对不同元素最低排泄量存在不同的最佳组合;饲粮铜、铁、锌、锰的含量分别为7.36、125.74、38.23、62.76 mg/kg时,能够满足肉鸡微量元素需要量,同时粪中铜、铁、锌、锰总排泄量最小。     

Dietary iron and broiler performance

1. An experiment was conducted with female broilers from 1 to 39 d of age in which the effects of increasing amounts of extra dietary ferrous sulphate on growth performance, some haematological measurements and Fe, Zn and Cu status were studied. A conventional maize-soyabean diet (107 mg Fe/kg) was supplemented with 0, 20, 60, 180, 540 and 1620 mg Fe to provide 6 treatments. 2. Weight gain responses rose to a plateau between 20 and 60 mg added Fe/kg diet, but further additions of Fe increasingly depressed growth. 3. In this study the apparent Fe requirement was 100 mg/kg diet (80 mg from dietary components and 20 mg Fe from supplement). 4. The efficiency of food utilisation decreased linearly, while the proportion of chicks affected by leg weakness increased. 5. In blood, the haemoglobin concentration increased slightly with extra dietary Fe. 6. The iron content of the liver increased with higher dietary Fe supplementation. Furthermore, increased liver Fe content was associated with a higher Zn content in the liver. 7. This study indicated that a maize-soyabean diet containing about 30% more Fe than has generally been accepted to be adequate for healthy broilers was still marginal in Fe concentration.     

Zinc bioavailability in feed-grade sources of zinc

Chick bioassays were used to assess bioavailability of zinc (Zn) from inorganic Zn sources. A soy isolate-dextrose diet containing 13 mg Zn/kg diet was supplemented with feed-grade sources of ZnSO4.H2O (ZnSO4) or ZnO and fed for 2 wk after a 7-d Zn-depletion protest period. Bioavailability of Zn in ZnO relative to ZnSO4 (set at 100%) was determined by multiple regression slope-ratio methodology, using both growth and tibia Zn accumulation in chicks fed graded levels of ZnO and ZnSO4. Linear responses for gain and tibia Zn occurred at dietary Zn levels (ZnSO4.7H2O) between 13 mg/kg (basal) and 33 mg/kg (gain) or 53 mg/kg (total tibia Zn). Therefore, two bioavailability assays were conducted using supplemental Zn levels of 0, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg from each Zn source. When weight gain was regressed on supplemental Zn intake, bioavailability of Zn in ZnO was only 61.2% (P less than .01) that of ZnSO4. When total tibia Zn was regressed on supplemental Zn intake, bioavailability of Zn compared with ZnSO4 (set at 100.0%) was 44.1% (P less than .001) for ZnO. With chicks fed soy-based diets, bioavailability of Zn from ZnO was less than that of ZnSO4.     

Effects of diets supplemented with zinc and manganese on performance and related parameters in laying hens‡

Iron is often found to be of excessive concentrations in laying hens' diets, which may cause antagonistic interactions with other minerals. This study was conducted to investigate how to supplement Zn and Mn in the diets without Fe supplementation. In experiment 1, 420 18‐week Lohmann Brown layers were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 30–0, 65–30 and 100–60 mg/kg of Zn and Mn, respectively. In experiment 2, 360 40‐week Lohmann Brown layers were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 15–0, 35–0 and 55–15 mg/kg of Mn and Zn, respectively. Minerals were supplemented in the form of sulfate. Egg production was improved by supplementing 30 mg/kg Zn or 65 mg/kg Zn in combination with 30 mg/kg Mn in experiment one. In experiment two, a significant reduction of egg performance occurred with 35 mg/kg Mn supplementation. Mn and/or Zn supplementation increased eggshell thickness in experiment one, and decreased yolk cholesterol in both experiments. Mn and/or Zn supplementation increased Zn and Mn excretion in both experiments. Serum growth hormone (GH), thyroxine (T₄), and insulin levels, or alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity were not affected by treatments; serum estrogen (E₂) and triiodothyronine (T₃) were different but there was no consistency by dietary treatments. This study demonstrates that 30 mg/kg supplemental Zn is necessary to obtain maximal egg production, and there seems to be no need to supply Mn in this type of diet.     

日粮硒水平对22~42日龄肉仔鸡生长性能及肉品质的影响

为研究日粮硒水平对22~42日龄肉仔鸡生长性能和肉品质的影响,试验选用380只1日龄Arbor Acres（AA）肉公雏,1~21日龄统一饲喂同种正常添加无机硒的玉米-豆粕型日粮（含硒0.47 mg/kg）,于22日龄从中选取体重接近的336只鸡,随机分成6个处理组,每组7个重复,每个重复8只鸡。分别饲喂不添加硒的玉米-豆粕型基础日粮（对照组,含硒0.015 mg/kg）和在基础日粮中分别添加0.10、0.20、0.30、0.40和0.50 mg/kg硒（以亚硒酸钠形式添加）的试验日粮,试验期21 d。结果表明,日粮中添加不同硒水平对22~42日龄肉仔鸡平均日增重、平均日采食量和料重比均无显著影响（P>0.05）;对42日龄肉仔鸡屠宰率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率和腹脂率均无显著影响（P>0.05）;日粮中添加不同硒水平对42日龄肉仔鸡腿肌剪切力和胸肌肉色L^*值有显著影响（P<0.05）,其中添加0.50 mg/kg硒处理组肉鸡的腿肌剪切力最低,添加0.20和0.50 mg/kg硒处理组肉鸡的胸肌肉色L^*值最低,但其他肉质性状指标在各组间均无显著差异（P>0.05）。综上所述,玉米-豆粕型基础日粮中添加不同水平硒对22~42日龄肉仔鸡生长性能与42日龄肉仔鸡胴体性状均无显著影响,但日粮中添加0.50 mg/kg硒降低了腿肌剪切力和胸肌L^*值,对肉品质有一定的改善作用。     

Live Performance and Immune Responses of Straight-Run Broilers: Influences of Zinc Source in Broiler Breeder Hen and Progeny Diets and Ambient Temperature During the Broiler Production Period

Supplemental zinc in broiler diets has been reported to be more available to the chick when provided as a zinc-amino acid complex rather than an inorganic source. Previous work with broiler breeder and turkey hens has indicated that supplementing diets with zinc-amino acid complexes enhances immune status and livability of progeny. This study examined the effects of supplemental dietary zinc source [ZnSO₄ or Availa Zn 100 zinc-amino acid complex (ZnAA)] provided to broiler breeder hens and their progeny on live performance and immune status of broilers. Broiler breeder and progeny diets were supplemented with 160 and 140 ppm zinc, respectively. In addition to the dietary treatments, the broilers were subjected to either optimum or suboptimum temperatures during the first weeks of production. Supplementing broiler breeder hen and progeny diets with ZnAA and ZnAA + ZnSO₄, respectively, improved cumulative feed conversion (FC) of broilers. Providing diets supplemented with ZnSO₄ to hens or exposing broilers to optimum temperatures enhanced humoral immune response of progeny. Subjecting broilers to suboptimum brooding temperatures increased feed intake, but a higher incidence of mortality occurred primarily encompassing the first week of the growout. These data indicate that brooding temperature affected broiler performance, whereas the response to dietary zinc source was less pronounced.     

Effect of supplemental zinc source and corn particle size on 40-day broiler performance

Zinc (Zn) supplementation source and particle size of feed ingredients are two factors that can affect poultry performance and should be considered for proper feeding of poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of Zn supplementation source and corn particle size on broiler performance, breast yield, and tibia Zn concentration. Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial randomized complete block design with the main effects Zn treatment and corn particle size (550 micron vs. 1,050 micron). Zinc treatments included a basal diet (no added Zn), 80 mg/kg Zn sulfate, and 3 diets with 40 mg/kg Zn sulfate + 40 mg/kg of either Zn-glycine amino acid (AA) chelate (Zn-gly), Zn-AA complex (Zn-AA), or Zn bis(-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (Zn-HMTBA). A total of 8 replications per treatment were fed to 23 broilers per pen from d one to 40. A Zn treatment x corn particle size interaction was observed for ending bird weight (EBW; P < 0.05) demonstrating that feeding small particle corn produced larger broilers except when supplemental Zn was not included. Broilers fed small particle corn or diets supplemented with Zn consumed the most feed (P < 0.05); however, FCR was decreased (P < 0.05) by 1.9 points for broilers fed large particle corn diets. Tibia Zn concentration was higher (P < 0.0001) for Zn supplemented diets, but no other treatment effects were observed. In conclusion, Zn supplement source had little effect on broiler performance; however, Zn supplementation per se optimized performance.     

肉仔鸡饲粮中锌需要量的研究

取1日龄AA肉仔鸡600只,公、母各300只,随机分为10组,公、母各5组,每组4个重复,分别喂以含锌40mg/kg的基础日粮和含锌50、70、90和110mg/kg的添加锌日粮,以研究肉仔鸡对锌的需要量。试验期8周。结果表明,6周龄前日粮锌各水平对公、母鸡的体增重和饲料报酬无明显差异(P>0.05),40mg/kg锌可满足其生长需要。7周龄后,虽然公、母鸡分别在日粮含锌50和90mg/kg时可达到最大体增重,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。对于组织中的锌含量,不同组织、不同生长阶段对日粮补锌的反应不同。公、母鸡血液中锌含量并不随日粮锌含量的增加而升高;肾脏锌含量变化也不大;比较敏感的组织是胰和肝。组织锌含量依次为胰>肝>肾>血。血液中的碱性磷酸酶活性公、母鸡不同,但总的看来,随日龄增加而降低。铜锌超氧化物歧化酶(CuZnSOD)的活性不同组织、不同生长阶段和不同性别是不同的,母鸡比公鸡的酶活性高。根据各项指标的测定结果和经济效益综合分析,建议肉仔鸡对锌的需要量为40～50mg/kg。     

饲粮添加壳寡糖对肉鸡肉品质、抗氧化性能、小肠黏膜组织结构及肠道菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加壳寡糖(COS)对肉鸡肉品质、抗氧化性能、小肠黏膜组织结构及肠道菌群的影响。选用300只1日龄健康的爱拔益加(AA)雄性肉鸡,随机分为5组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只鸡。空白对照组饲喂不含抗生素的基础饲粮,正对照组饲喂添加100 mg/kg金霉素的基础饲粮,试验组分别饲喂添加50、100和150 mg/kg COS的基础饲粮。试验期42 d。结果表明,与空白对照组相比:1)饲粮添加100 mg/kg COS显著提高了胸肌和腿肌的红度(a*)值(P0.05)。2)饲粮添加50和100 mg/kg COS显著提高了1~21日龄血清总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性(P0.05),饲粮添加100 mg/kg COS显著提高了22~42日龄血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和T-SOD、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P0.05),饲粮添加50 mg/kg COS显著提高了22~42日龄血清T-SOD和GSH-Px活性(P0.05)。3)饲粮添加100 mg/kg COS显著提高了1~21日龄和22~42日龄空肠绒毛高度和绒毛高度/隐窝深度(P0.05)。4)饲粮添加50和100 mg/kg COS显著降低了回肠大肠杆菌数量(P0.05)。5)饲粮添加100 mg/kg COS显著提高了肉鸡的平均日增重(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮添加COS可提高肉鸡抗氧化性能,改善肉鸡肉品质和肠黏膜组织结构,并在一定程度上改善肠道菌群结构。COS在肉鸡饲粮中的适宜添加量为100 mg/kg。     

纳米氧化锌对肉仔鸡抗氧化性能的影响

本试验旨在研究纳米氧化锌对肉仔鸡抗氧化性能的影响.选用1日龄爱拔益加肉仔鸡192只,随机分为4个组,每个组4个重复,每个重复12只鸡.以添加硫酸锌(含锌80 mg/kg)的口粮为对照组,即A组,添加含锌40、80、120 mg/kg的3个纳米氧化锌水平组为试验组,即B、C、D组,试验期6周.试验结果表明:40 mg/kg锌添加水平的纳米氧化锌组能够显著提高(21、42 d)肉仔鸡血清中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P<0.05、P<0.01),极显著提高(21、42 d)血清中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)(P<0.01、P<0.01),减少(21 d)血清中一氧化氮(NO)生成(P<0.05).80 mg/kg锌添加水平的纳米氧化锌组能够极显著提高(42 d)肉仔鸡血清中GSH-Px活性(P<0.01),显著提高(42 d)肝组织中过氧化氢酶(CAT)和T-AOC活性(P<0.05、P<0.01),极显著提高(21 d)血清中T-AOC(P<0.01),减少(21、42 d)血清中NO生成(P<0.05、P<0.01),并能提高(42 d)血清抑制羟自由基能力(P<0.05),提高(21 d)肝组织中抗超氧阴离子自由基活性(P<0.05).由此可知,日粮添加纳米氧化锌可在一定程度上提高肉仔鸡机体的抗氧化性能,增强抗氧化酶活性,降低自由基的产生,以40、80 mg/kg添加量效果较佳.     

低蛋白质饲粮添加载锌蒙脱石对肉鸡生长性能、免疫器官发育和肠道组织形态的影响

本试验旨在研究低蛋白质饲粮添加载锌蒙脱石(Zn-MMT)对肉鸡生长性能、免疫器官发育和肠道组织形态的影响。随机选择1日龄健康科宝公雏288只,按体重一致原则随机分成6个组,每组6个重复,每个重复8只鸡。对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕型低蛋白质基础饲粮,正对照组[硫酸锌(ZnSO 4)组]饲喂低蛋白质基础饲粮+40 mg/kg ZnSO 4,4个试验组分别在低蛋白质基础饲粮中添加20、40、60和80 mg/kg Zn-MMT(均以锌含量计算)。试验鸡自由采食和饮水,试验期为42 d。结果表明:1)与对照组和ZnSO 4组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加60和80 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡1~21日龄平均日增重(ADG,P<0.05),添加80 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡1~21日龄料重比(F/G,P<0.05);添加Zn-MMT对肉鸡22~42日龄和1~42日龄ADG、平均日采食量和F/G以及1~21日龄ADG无显著影响(P>0.05)。2)与对照组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加Zn-MMT对肉鸡21和42日龄免疫器官指数无显著影响(P>0.05);但与ZnSO 4组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡21日龄胸腺指数和法氏囊指数(P<0.05),且添加80 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡42日龄胸腺指数(P<0.05)。3)与对照组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加20和60 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡42日龄腿比率(P<0.05);与ZnSO 4组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加Zn-MMT对肉鸡屠宰性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。4)与对照组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加40和60 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡十二指肠隐窝深度(CD,P<0.05),且添加60 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡空肠CD(P<0.05);添加20 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡回肠CD(P<0.05),并显著提高肉鸡回肠绒毛高度(VH)/CD(V/C)值(P<0.05);同时,添加80 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡空肠V/C值(P<0.05)。与ZnSO 4组相比,低蛋白质饲粮添加20 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡回肠V/C值(P<0.05),并显著降低回肠CD(P<0.05);添加40 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡空肠VH(P<0.05),并显著降低肉鸡十二指肠CD(P<0.05);添加20和60 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著降低肉鸡空肠CD(P<0.05);添加20、40和60 mg/kg Zn-MMT显著提高肉鸡空肠V/C值(P<0.05)。综上所述,在低蛋白质饲粮中添加Zn-MMT对肉鸡后期生长性能无显著影响,但与添加ZnSO 4相比,可显著提高肉鸡免疫器官指数,提高小肠VH和V/C值,降低小肠CD,促进肉鸡肠道发育。     

苜蓿多糖对不同性别肉仔鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肉品质及抗氧化性能的影响

本试验旨在研究苜蓿多糖对不同性别肉仔鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肉品质及抗氧化性能的影响。选取468只1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡,随机分为3组,每组12个重复(公母各6个重复),每个重复13只鸡。组1为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮,组2、组3分别在基础饲粮中添加1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖,试验期42 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,1)饲粮中添加1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖对公鸡和母鸡的平均体重、平均日采食量、平均日增重、料重比、屠宰率、腿肌率和腹脂率均无显著影响(P0.05),但显著提高了母鸡全净膛率和胸肌率(P0.05),且添加2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖显著提高了公鸡胸肌率(P0.05)。2)1 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组(即组2)公鸡胸肌p H45 min显著提高(P0.05),公鸡和母鸡胸肌滴水损失率和公鸡胸肌蒸煮损失率显著降低(P0.05);2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组(即组3)公鸡和母鸡胸肌滴水损失率和公鸡胸肌蒸煮损失率显著降低(P0.05)。1 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组公鸡和母鸡腿肌滴水损失率和母鸡腿肌剪切力显著降低(P0.05),母鸡腿肌p H24 h显著提高(P0.05);2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组母鸡腿肌滴水损失率和剪切力显著降低(P0.05)。3)1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组21日龄公鸡血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)显著提高(P0.05),2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组35和42日龄母鸡血清T-AOC显著提高(P0.05),2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组28日龄公鸡和母鸡血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性显著提高(P0.05),1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖组21和35日龄母鸡血清总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性显著提高(P0.05),但饲粮中添加1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖对公鸡和母鸡血清中丙二醛(MDA)含量无显著影响(P0.05);此外,饲粮中添加1 000和2 000 mg/kg苜蓿多糖对公鸡和母鸡肝脏和胸肌中T-AOC、GSH-Px和T-SOD活性及MDA含量均无显著影响(P0.05)。综上,饲粮中添加苜蓿多糖对公鸡和母鸡的生长性能无显著影响,但能够改善公鸡和母鸡的屠宰性能、肉品质和血清抗氧化性能,且苜蓿多糖的适宜添加量为1 000mg/kg。