Effect of organic zinc supplementation on growth, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of Ganjam sheep

Fifteen Ganjam sheep (3-4 months of age) were stratified into three equal groups and fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture and paddy straw. T1 served as control (without any supplementation), T2 and T3 were supplemented with 20 and 40 mg zinc/kg DM as zinc methionine respectively. Experimental feeding continued for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on 90 days of the experimental feeding. Results revealed non significant (P>0.05) increase in body weight gain in zinc supplemented groups. Hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea concentration were similar (P>0.05) among the three groups. The antioxidant enzymes concentration were significantly (P<0.05) higher in zinc supplemented group than control. It may be concluded that supplementation of organic zinc prevents stress without affecting growth and blood chemistry of sheep.