Nano zinc Supplementation Compared with Other Zinc Forms: Effects on Growth Performance, Serum Concentrations, and Economic Evaluation in Broiler Chickens

The current study's aim was to assess how different zinc sources affected the broilers' growth performance, serum concentrations and economic evaluation. One-day-old "Cobb" broiler chicks (n = 192) with an average initial body weight of 44.10 g were randomly distributed into 6 groups. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups were supplied with inorganic zinc oxide, inorganic zinc sulphate monohydrate, and organic zinc methionine, respectively, at a level of 100 mg Zn/kg diet. The 4th, 5th, and 6th groups were supplied with nano zinc oxide (NZnO) at a level of 20, 10, and 5 mg Zn/kg diet, respectively. The study exposed that NZnO at a level of 5 mg Zn/kg (G6) achieved a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in final body weight, cumulative body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency. NZnO (G6) increased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels either significantly (P < 0.05) compared to G1, G2, G3, and G4 or numerically with G5. Adding NZnO lessens blood serum malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine levels. Nano zinc oxide in G5 and G6 significantly achieved the best results in economic efficiency enhancement (P < 0.05). The nano zinc oxide groups achieved the best performance, boosted antioxidant activity, enhanced lipid profiling, and improved liver and kidney functions. The positive results were more noticeable in the G6. Therefore, applying NZnO (5 mg Zn/kg diet) is a new promising feed additive in the broiler industry.