Relative bioavailability of zinc methionine and two inorganic zinc sources fed to cattle

A 12-week experiment was conducted to compare supplemental ZnMet, ZnSO4, and ZnO on Zn, Cu and metallothionein (MT) concentrations in various fluids and tissues of 32 yearling cattle. Supplemental Zn (360 mg per day) was fed for four weeks, withdrawn for four weeks, and then resumed for another four weeks. Mineral (Zn and Cu) concentrations were determined in serum, liver, pancreas, kidney, bone, bone marrow (metacarpus), hair, hoof and neck muscle (sterno mandibularis), and Zn only in erythrocytes, skin and cornea. Metallothionein levels were determined in liver, pancreas and kidney. There were no treatment differences (p > 0.05) in serum or erythrocyte Zn content for all days of collection. Serum Cu concentrations tended to decrease with all treatments. There were no treatment differences (p > 0.05) in Zn and Cu tissue concentrations and liver, kidney and pancreas MT concentrations. Tissue Cu concentrations did not drop in the supplemented treatments when compared to controls. At adequate levels of dietary Zn, bioavailability of supplemental Zn sources may be less important than under conditions of limited dietary Zn or if very high levels of supplemental Zn are fed.