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Prediction model for manure zinc excretion in laying hens
K M Martin1, N Vargas-Jurado1, S E Purdum1
1University of Nebraska - Lincoln Animal Science, P.O. Box 830908, C203 ANSC, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908.
Poultry Science
|October 28, 2017
Summary
This study found that zinc sulfate and lower supplementation levels (40 ppm) in laying hen diets significantly reduce manure zinc excretion. Higher levels (120 ppm) and specific sources increased excretion, leading to a predictive equation for dietary zinc management.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Optimizing dietary zinc is crucial for laying hen health and minimizing environmental impact.
- Understanding zinc bioavailability from different sources and its excretion is key for sustainable poultry farming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare zinc sulfate and Availa®Zn as zinc sources in laying hen diets.
- To evaluate the effect of varying zinc supplementation levels (40, 80, 120 ppm) on manure zinc excretion.
- To develop a predictive model for manure zinc excretion based on dietary zinc.
Main Methods:
- A 2x3 factorial arrangement of treatments with two zinc sources and three levels was used with Bovan White Leghorn hens.
- Hens were housed in a manure-belt system, and manure samples were analyzed for zinc content over 10 weeks.
- Data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure in SAS, with significance assessed at P < 0.0001.
Main Results:
- Zinc sulfate resulted in lower manure zinc excretion compared to Availa®Zn (P < 0.0001).
- Higher zinc supplementation levels (120 ppm) significantly increased manure zinc excretion (P < 0.0001).
- A significant interaction showed 120 ppm Availa®Zn had the highest excretion, while 40 ppm of either source had the lowest.
Conclusions:
- Dietary zinc source and level significantly influence manure zinc excretion in laying hens.
- Zinc sulfate and lower supplementation levels are preferable for reducing environmental zinc load.
- A predictive equation was developed to estimate manure zinc excretion based on dietary zinc input.
