Micronutrients utilization, antioxidant enzyme and immunoglobulin level in sheep supplemented inorganic and organic sources of copper and zinc

Abstract

The effect of dietary supplementation of Cu- and Zn-methionine on macro and micronutrients utilization as well as antioxidant enzyme (Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase) and total immunoglobulin (TIG) levels were studied in sheep (Bannur breed) in a 240-day feeding trial. The sheep were supplemented 50% more Cu and Zn either from Cu- and Zn-sulphate (inorganic group) or from methionine-chelated Cu and Zn sources (organic group) on a corn-soybean meal and para grass-based basal diet. Blood samples were obtained at monthly interval for estimation of macro and micro mineral status, antioxidant enzyme (Cu/Zn-SOD) and total immunoglobulin levels. Plasma Cu and Zn concentration was significantly higher in sheep that received organic form than in those received inorganic sources of Cu and Zn, whereas macro minerals (Ca, P and Mg) concentrations in blood plasma were similar in both the groups. The dietary sources of Cu and Zn did not affect the total immunoglobulin (TIG) level and antioxidant enzyme (Cu/Zn-SOD) in plasma of sheep. Average daily feed intake and daily gain as well as macronutrient (DM, OM and CP) utilization was not affected by the dietary sources of Cu and Zn in sheep. However, dry matter intake was 8.1% less for similar body weight gain in sheep fed organic than inorganic source of Cu and Zn, which resulted in better feed: gain ratio in this group. Results of higher gut absorption tissue retention and lower excretion of Cu and Zn from organic source with similar intake of these minerals in the present study revealed that the supplementation of Cu and Zn from organic sources (Cu- and Znmethionine) could have beneficial effect on animal and could be used in nutritional programmes for improving the efficiency of animal production and useful to reduce the negative environmental impact of using inorganic sources of minerals to animals.