Response of chelated copper and zinc supplementation in Rambouillet crossbred lambs under intensive system

Abstract

A study was conducted in sheep for improving the bioavailability of copper and zinc through supplementation in chelated form. Forty-five Rambouillet crossbred ram lambs (5–6 months of age) maintained in an organized sheep farm at Anur village (Bengaluru) were divided into three equal groups based on body weight. The nutrient requirements were met as per NRC (1985) standards using basal diet having concentrate and green fodder (50: 50) for a daily weight gain of 100 g. Gr-I lambs were fed on basal concentrate diet containing 8 ppm Cu and 40 ppm Zn, Gr-II were fed on concentrate diet with Cu and Zn supplementation through inorganic sources (Cu- sulfate and Zn- sulfate) at 50% more than the level present in basal concentrate diet, whereas the Gr-III were fed on concentrate diet supplemented with Cu and Zn through chelated sources (Cu-methionine and Zn- methionine) at 25% more than the levels present in basal concentrate diet. All the lambs were stall-fed for 120 days. The average intake of dry matter was lower in lambs fed chelated source of Cu and Zn. Activities of ceruloplasmin and alkaline phosphatase were increased (P<0.05) on supplementation of chelated source of Cu and Zn and growth rate amongst the lambs in three groups did not differ significantly. The immune response was significantly (P<0.05) better in lambs supplemented with chelated form of Cu and Zn. It is concluded that the supplementation of Cu and Zn in chelated form in the diet of lambs maintained in organized farm was effective in improving their bioavailability and immune status.