Progeny performance when dams and chicks are fed supplemental zinc

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Immunology

Background:

• Zinc is an essential trace mineral crucial for broiler growth and immune function.
• Different forms of zinc, such as inorganic zinc oxide and organic zinc methionine, may have varying bioavailability and efficacy.
• Understanding the impact of maternal zinc supplementation on progeny health is vital for optimizing broiler production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of inorganic zinc (ZnO) versus organic zinc methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation in broiler breeder diets on the growth, immunity, and bone development of their progeny.
• To evaluate the impact of supplemental zinc in the starter diet on broiler performance.
• To determine if maternal dietary organic zinc influences the offspring's immune response and skeletal development.

Main Methods:

• Three trials were conducted with approximately 700-800 broilers per trial (0-28 days of age).
• Broiler breeders were fed a basal diet or diets supplemented with inorganic zinc (ZnO) or organic zinc methionine (Zn-Met).
• Progeny were fed starter diets with or without supplemental zinc from either ZnO and DL-methionine or Zn-Met.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in feed conversion or average body weight were observed among treatment groups.
• Maternal supplementation with Zn-Met significantly increased cellular immune response in progeny (P < 0.06).
• Progeny from dams fed Zn-Met exhibited higher embryonic bone weights (P < 0.05) and enhanced primary antibody titers to Salmonella pullorum antigen.

Conclusions:

• Organic zinc methionine supplementation in broiler breeder diets positively impacts progeny immunity and skeletal development.
• Maternal dietary organic zinc enhances cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler chicks.
• Zinc methionine appears to be a more effective source of zinc for improving broiler progeny health compared to inorganic zinc oxide.