Effect of zinc supplementation on testicular biometry in Assam local male goat

Abstract

The present study was conducted in 36 Assam local male kids of 3 months of age and between 3 and 4 kg of body weight. The animals were divided into group 1 (control group, in which kids were grown without zinc supplementation), group 2 (inorganic group, in which kids were grown with inorganic zinc supplementation, zinc sulphate) and group 3 (organic group, in which kids were grown with organic zinc supplementation, zinc propionate). The experimental goats received concentrate mixture @ 50 g/day/goat up to 5 months and then @ 100 g/day/goat up to 7 months of age in addition to their free range grazing. The study revealed gradual increase of different testicular measurements i.e length, width, thickness and scrotal circumference. Both inorganic and organic zinc supplemented group showed higher values than that of control group. When compared, kids receiving organic zinc-supplement had higher body weight and testicular measurements than that of inorganic zinc-supplemented kids.