Comparing Efficacy of Nano Zinc on Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Immune and Antioxidant Status in Hariana Cattle

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nanozinc (nanoZn) over inorganic Zn (inZn) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune and antioxidant status in growing Hariana cattle. A total of 20 growing heifers were randomly blocked into four groups (n = 5) on body weight (97.5 ± 6.0 kg) and age basis (15 ± 1.5 months). Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that animals in Zn0 group were kept on without Zn supplemented basal diet; however, treatment group animals were supplemented with 50 mg Zn/kg DM as ZnSO4 (inZn50), and 25 (nanoZn25) and 50 (nanoZn50) mg Zn/kg DM as nanoZn oxide. Different sources of Zn did not exert any effect on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Absorption of Zn was better in both nanoZn groups than inZn and Zn0 groups. Different blood parameters were not affected by different sources of Zn and triacylglycerol, cholestrol, total protein, and globulin levels were found higher in all Zn supplemented groups. Total immunoglobulin (TIg), total antioxidant status (TAS) and SOD activity were higher in nanoZn supplemented animals. Plasma Zn content was higher in nanoZn group and showed dose-dependent pattern while calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were similar among all groups. The results of the present study revealed that Hariana cattle supplemented with 25 mg Zn/kg DM nanoZn has better absorption, antioxidant and immune response than that of inorganic Zn source.