Influence of organic and inorganic forms of zinc supplemented to late pregnancy buffalo cows on zinc status growth and passive immunity transfer of newborn calves
Abstract: Twenty seven buffalo cows were randomly assigned to four treatments to determine the effects of supplementing their diets with zinc (Zn) during late pregnancy on Zn and immune status of dams and newborn calves. The dams were fed concentrate mixture, berseem hay and rice straw at the rate of 2.5% kg DM/l00 kg body weight (50% concentrate and 50% roughage): The mean basal content of Zn in the ration was 17.8 ppm. The experimental animals were allocated to receive one of the following supplements: No supplemental Zn (control, n=6); 600 mg of Zn/cow daily (about 50 mg/kg DMI) as Zn methionine (ZnMeth, n=7), Zn sulphate (ZnS03,n=7) or Zn Mix (50% ZnMeth plus 50% ZnS04, n=7): Supplementation of Zn was adopted within 60 days prior to expected date of calving. Immunoglobulins (Ig) G, IgM and IgA were determined in blood plasma, colostrum of the dams and plasma of offspring. Also, plasma Zn concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (Alk-ph) of cows and newborn calves were assessed. Colostral Chemical composition and growth rate of calves were measured. Plasma Zn concentration of dams and newborn calves did not differ significantly among experimental groups. The activity of plasma Alk-ph was elevated (P<0.01) significantly in cows supplemented with ZnS04 compared with other groups. Moreover, plasma Alk-ph of calves was improved by Zn supplementation to their dams but without significant differences. Total gain and daily weight gain of calves were improved (P<0.1) by Zn supplementation of the dams. Plasma total globulin, IgG and IgM levels were greater (P<0.01) in supplemented cows and newborn calves than control. Similar trend was observed with plasma IgA but without significant differences among groups. Regardless of Zn source, colostral IgG concentration was improved (P<0.01) by Zn supplementation. Colostral IgM and IgA concentrations were greater in Zn supplemented groups than control but without significant differences. Chemical composition of colostrum did not differ significantly among groups. It can be concluded that zinc suphate as inorganic form of Zn can be used as a lower cost supplement to late pregnancy buffalo cows to enhance their immune status and passive immunity of newborn calves.
Publication year 2006
Pages 271-286
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Egyptian Journal Basic Applied Physiolgy
Author(s) from ARC
External authors (outside ARC)
    السيد احمد العيوطى جامعة المنصورة
Agris Categories Animal physiology - NutritionAnimal physiology - Reproduction
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Body weight. Calves. Dams. Immunity. Performance testing. Pregnancy. Rice straw. Water buffaloes. Zinc.
Publication Type Journal
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