Preparation, characterization and utilization of a novel feed supplement in poultry

This study aimed to prepare and characterize the zinc alginate complexes using SEM-EDAX, XRD, FTIR and evaluate their zinc retention percentage in cockerels. Three complexes were prepared using zinc sulfate (Zn-Alg- CM1), zinc carbonate (Zn-Alg-CM2), and zinc nitrate (Zn-Alg-CM3). Zn-Alg-CM3 was amorphous with smooth surfaces and showed a shifted absorption spectrum, indicating strong zinc binding compared to Zn-Alg-CM1 and Zn- Alg-CM2. Although Zn-Alg-CM2 had higher zinc composition, Zn-Alg-CM3 at 45 ppm significantly improved the digestibility of crude protein, crude fibre and zinc retention compared to Zn-Alg-CM1, Zn-Alg-CM2, and the control with zinc oxide in cockerels. Zn-Alg-CM3 exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus. Therefore, Zn-Alg-CM3 showed promising potential as a novel feed supplement in cockerels and further research is essential to fully understand its impact on growth performance, antioxidant activity, and intestinal health in poultry.