Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Haematological Parameters, Biochemical Components of Blood and Rumen Fluid, and Accumulation of Zinc in Different Organs of Goats

This study was aimed to determine the effects of diet containing high zinc on rumen fermentation, blood parameters, live weight and oxidative status in goats. In this study, twenty four male Angora goats each of 12 months of age, and weighing approximately 35 kg were divided into four groups as: control group (C) fed with basal diet containing 31.76 ppm Zn, experimental group 1 fed with basal diet supplemented with 500 ppm Zn, experimental group 2 fed with basal diet supplemented with 750 ppm Zn and experimental group 3 fed with basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zinc sulphate. The investigation was started after 15 days of adaptation period and lasted for 30 days. On days 15 and 30 of the study body weight of the animals was recorded, blood and rumen samples were collected. There were no differences in body weight with different levels of Zn supplementation. Red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin levels increased (p<0.05) as compared to control group on the 30th day with Zn supplementation. High Zn supplementation increased (p<0.05) plasma urea nitrogen and glutathione but decreased (p<0.05) leptin and malondialdehyde concentration while other parameters remained unaffected. No difference was observed in ruminal pH between the treatment groups. Ruminal ammonia and number of protozoa were decreased (p<0.05) with 700 ppm and 1000 ppm zinc supplementation. Rumen Zn concentration increased (p<0.05) in the goats fed with 1000 ppm zinc, whereas there was no difference in rumen Fe and Cu concentration among the treatments, except for 1000 ppm zinc supplementation. High zinc supplementation to diet increased (p<0.05) the liver Zn and Fe concentrations and mohair Fe levels but decreased the kidney Cu concentrations. It was concluded that the goats can tolerate the supplementation of high zinc in diet.