Dietary mineral sources altered lipid and antioxidant profiles in broiler breeders and posthatch growth of their offsprings

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on egg production and concentration of trace minerals in eggs, plasma, and excreta in female broiler breeders from 42 to 63 weeks of age

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride (HC) and organic (OR) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn on performance of broiler breeders (BB) between 42 and 63 weeks of age (WOA) was investigated. A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in 2 rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of 2 diets in a completely randomized block design (n=12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. Birds were fed and managed according to breeder guidelines. The egg count was recorded daily and categorized as normal or abnormal. Egg yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and eggshell breaking strength were assessed every 4 wk. Individual hen body weight (BW) was recorded at 5-wk intervals to determine BW uniformity. At 52 and 63 WOA, the eggs and excreta samples were collected. At the end of the trial, 4 hens per pen were bled for plasma concentration of trace minerals and organs (liver, gizzard, spleen, kidney, and thymus) weight. There were no interactions between source and age on any parameters (P > 0.05). There were no main effects of source on egg production, eggshell quality, BW, and organs weight (P > 0.05). Hens fed HO diets had darker yolk compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.014). The concentration of Zn in the eggs of OR BB was higher (P = 0.022) than for HO birds. However, there were no dietary effects on the concentration of trace minerals in the egg, plasma, and excreta (P > 0.05). The results indicated that a mixture of HC and O as sources for Zn, Cu, and Mn was as effective as OR sources in supporting egg production, egg quality, and trace mineral utilization in broiler breeders.

Impact of Maternal and Offspring Dietary Zn Supplementation on Growth Performance and Antioxidant and Immune Function of Offspring Broilers

The current study investigated the effects of the maternal Zn source in conjunction with their offspring’s dietary Zn supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant status, Zn concentration, and immune function of the offspring. It also explored whether there is an interaction between maternal Zn and their offspring’s dietary Zn. One-day-old Lingnan Yellow-feathered broilers (n = 800) were completely randomized (n = 4) between two maternal dietary supplemental Zn sources [maternal Zn−Gly (oZn) vs. maternal ZnSO4 (iZn)] × two offspring dietary supplemental Zn doses [Zn-unsupplemented control diet (CON), the control diet + 80 mg of Zn/kg of diet as ZnSO4]. oZn increased progeny ADG and decreased offspring mortality across all periods, especially during the late periods (p < 0.05). The offspring diet supplemented with Zn significantly improved ADG and decreased offspring mortality over the whole period compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). There were significant interactions between the maternal Zn source and offspring dietary Zn with regards to progeny mortality during the late phase and across all phases as a whole (p < 0.05). Compared with the iZn group, the oZn treatment significantly increased progeny liver and serum Zn concentrations; antioxidant capacity in the liver, muscle, and serum; and the IgM concentration in serum; while also decreasing progeny serum IL-1 and TNF-α cytokine secretions (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed when the offspring diet was supplemented with Zn compared with the CON group; moreover, adding Zn to the offspring diet alleviated progeny stress by decreasing corticosterone levels in the serum when compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal Zn−Gly supplementation increased progeny performance and decreased progeny mortality and stress by increasing progeny Zn concentration, antioxidant capacity, and immune function compared with the same Zn levels from ZnSO4. Simultaneously, Zn supplementation in the progeny’s diet is necessary for the growth of broilers.

Effect of replacing inorganic minerals with small peptide chelated minerals on production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status in broiler chickens

Due to the low bio-availability of inorganic trace minerals, its application in poultry production has been causing many problems such as environment pollution and waste of resources. The current study was designed to evaluate if replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with small peptide chelate trace minerals (SPM) affects production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status, tibia mineral deposition, and fecal mineral content in 817 white-feathered broilers. A total of 432 broilers (21-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 18 chicks each. The four groups included inorganic trace minerals group (addition of 1,000 mg/kg ITM; common practice by commercial poultry farms), three organic trace minerals groups with supplementation of 150, 300, and 500 mg/kg SPM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 30 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and slaughter performance among the four groups (p > 0.05). Total cholesterol in the SPM group was significantly lower than those in the ITM groups (p < 0.01). Compared with the ITM group, the serum urea nitrogen in 150 and 300 mg/kg SPM groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Among all SPM treatments, 300 mg/kg SPM groups had the highest serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.01). The activity of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) of liver in ITM group was the lowest among the four groups (p < 0.01). The catalase (CAT) activity of liver in the 150 mg/kg SPM group was significantly higher than the ITM group and 300 mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05). Compared to the ITM group, the iron content of the tibia was significantly increased in 300 mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05) and 500 mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.01). Compared to the ITM group, dietary supplementation with SPM significantly reduced fecal content of zinc and manganese (p < 0.01). The 150 mg/kg SPM and 300 mg/kg SPM group had significantly reduced content of iron (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that replacing inorganic minerals with low doses of SPM (300 and 500 mg/kg) did not negatively affect growth and slaughter performance, as well as the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. In addition, SPM can also promote mineral content in the tibia and reduce mineral content in the feces.

The effects of chelated micro-elements feeding in broiler breeder hens and their progeny: A review

Micro-elements are essential for the optimal feeding of broiler hens. Since the chelated micro-elements negatively affect the content of micro- and macro-minerals, there has been a tendency to apply them as an alternative to common mineral forms of micro-elements in poultry diets. This paper reviews the effects of chelates of micro-elements (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium) on broiler breeder hens' internal and external egg quality and their egg products. The use of chelated micro-elements compared to the mineral forms does not have a significant effect on the performance of broiler breeder flocks, but they have significantly positive effects on the internal and external egg quality of broiler breeder flocks. The chelated micro-elements were also better than mineral resources of micro-elements in improving fertility (0.59%), hatchability (0.81%), and reducing mortality of progeny (2.25%). Chelated micro-elements have no negative impact on blood biochemistry or the immune system of broiler breeder hens and decrease cholesterol (0.84 mmol/l) and triglycerides (0.04 mmol/l) in most cases in comparison with the other mineral forms. Therefore, chelated forms of micro-elements instead of the inorganic mineral forms in diets of broiler breeder hens provide better protection for birds and the environment and also improve egg quality.

Maternal supplementation of different trace mineral sources on broiler breeder production and progeny growth and gut health

Trace mineral minerals Zn, Cu, and Mn play important roles in breeder production and progeny performance. The objective of this study was to determine maternal supplementation of trace mineral minerals on breeder production and progeny growth and development. A total of 540 broiler breeders, Cobb 500 (Slow feathering; 0–66 weeks old) were assigned to one of three treatment groups with the same basal diet and three different supplemental trace minerals: ITM–inorganic trace minerals in sulfates: 100, 16, and 100 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn respectively; MMHAC -mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of bis-chelated MINTREX®Zn, Cu and Mn (Novus International, Inc.), and TMAAC - trace minerals amino acid complex: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn. At 28 weeks of age, eggs from breeder treatments were hatched for progeny trial, 10 pens with 6 males and 6 female birds per pen were fed a common diet with ITM for 45 days. Breeder production, egg quality, progeny growth performance, mRNA expression of gut health associated genes in breeder and progeny chicks were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA; means were separated by Fisher’s protected LSD test. A p-Value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically different and 0.1 was considered numerical trend. Breeders on ITM treatment had higher (p &lt; 0.05) body weight (BW), weight gain and lower (p &lt; 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 0 to 10 weeks, when compared to birds fed MMHAC. MMHAC significantly improved egg mass by 3 g (p &lt; 0.05) and FCR by 34 points (0.05 &lt; p &lt; 0.1) throughout the reproductive period (26–66 weeks) in comparison to ITM. MMHAC improved (p &lt; 0.01) egg yolk color versus (vs.) ITM and TMAAC in all periods, except 28 weeks, increased (p &lt; 0.01) eggshell thickness and resistance vs. TMAAC at 58 weeks, and reduced (p &lt; 0.05) jejunal NF-κB gene expression vs. TMAAC at 24 weeks. There was a significant reduction in tibial dry matter weight, Seedor index and resistance for the breeders that received MMHAC and/or TMAAC when compared to ITM at 18 weeks. Lower seedor index but numerically wider tibial circumference was seen in hens fed MMHAC at 24 weeks, and wider tibial circumference but lower tibial resistance in hens fed TMAAC at 66 weeks. Maternal supplementation of MMHAC in breeder hens increased (p &lt; 0.0001) BW vs. ITM and TMAAC at hatching, reduced (p &lt; 0.05) feed intake vs. ITM at d14 and d28, and improved (p &lt; 0.01) FCR and performance index vs. TMAAC at d28, reduced (p &lt; 0.01) NF-κB gene expression and increased (p &lt; 0.05) A20 gene expression vs. TMAAC on d0 and vs. ITM on d14, reduced (p &lt; 0.05) TLR2 gene expression vs. ITM on d0 and vs. TMAAC on d14, increased (p &lt; 0.05) MUC2 gene expression vs. both ITM and TMAAC on d45 in progeny jejunum. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with lower levels of MHA-chelated trace minerals improved breeder production and egg quality and reduced breeder jejunal inflammation while maintaining tibial development in comparison to those receiving higher inorganic mineral supplementation, and it also carried over the benefits to progeny with better growth performance, less jejunal inflammation and better innate immune response and gut barrier function in comparison to ITM and/or TMAAC.

Improved Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Digestive Enzymes, Nutrient Digestibility and Zinc Bioavailability of Broiler Chickens with Nano-Sized Hot-Melt Extruded Zinc Sulfate

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the supplementation of hot-melt extrusion (HME) processed zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic digestive enzyme, small intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and Zn content in broilers. The chicks were allocated to three treatments, each of which had five replicates of 15 chicks per replicate. The broiler chickens were assigned to three dietary treatments: the control (without supplemental Zn), IN-Zn (ZnSO₄, 80 mg/kg), and HME-Zn (HME processed ZnSO₄ as nano-Zn, 80 mg/kg). The broilers fed diets supplemented with 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn improved the BWG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.05) compared to the broilers fed the control and IN-Zn diets in phase 2. The Zn supplementation significantly enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the serum (P < 0.05) and liver (P < 0.05), and HME-Zn supplementation significantly increased the SOD in the liver compared to the IN-Zn supplementation. Reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was seen with the Zn supplementation compared to the control (P < 0.05). The chickens fed diets supplemented with the HME-Zn had higher activity of amylase (P < 0.05) and trypsin (P < 0.05) than those of the chickens fed the control and IN-Zn diets. The villus height (VH) in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and jejunum (P < 0.05) increased with the ZnSO₄ and HME-Zn supplementation compared to the control. The VH and crypt depth rate (VH:CD) in the jejunum improved with the HME-Zn compared to the control (P < 0.05). The HME-Zn significantly increased the apparent ileal digestible crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) and energy corrected by nitrogen (AIDEn) (P < 0.05) compared to the control or IN-Zn. In phases 1 and 2, the HME-Zn significantly increased Zn concentration in the liver and tibia compared to control and IN-Zn (P < 0.05). The excretion of Zn was significantly decreased in the HME-Zn compared to the IN-Zn (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn in diets improved the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic enzyme activity, intestinal villus height, and nutrient digestibility with the improved Zn bioavailability in broilers.

Effects of Coated Trace Minerals and the Fat Source on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens

Inorganic trace minerals may exacerbate lipid peroxidation, thereby impacting lipid metabolism. This study aimed to compare the effects of inorganic and coated trace minerals in diets with different fat sources, on the performance, slaughter characteristics, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. A total of 576 21-day-old Abor Acres broiler birds were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups in a 2 (non-coated and coated trace minerals)×2 (soybean oil and lard) factorial design. Each treatment was replicated 12 times (12 birds per replicate). The results showed that coated minerals significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) in weight and the feed conversion ratio (P<0.01), increased serum iron, zinc, selenium, and thyroxine contents, increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and lipoprotein lipase (P<0.05), and decreased the serum and muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (P<0.01). The use of soybean oil as the fat source resulted in a high ADG in weight, a low F/G ratio, reduced serum MDA content, and drip loss of breast and leg muscles (P<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of coated trace minerals improved growth performance, antioxidant status, trace mineral retention within serum, and lipid metabolism. Additionally, soybean oil also improved the growth performance, antioxidant performance, and meat quality of broilers. The combination of coated trace minerals and soybean oil generated the best growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality characteristics.

Yeast Culture Improves Egg Quality and Reproductive Performance of Aged Breeder Layers by Regulating Gut Microbes

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on egg production, egg quality, reproductive performance, immune functions, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbial structure of aged hens. A total of 224 Hy-Line Brown layers (54 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments. The control group was fed a basal diet and the YC group was supplemented with YC at 2.0 g/kg of their diet. Each group had seven replicates with 16 hens each. The study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. Results indicated that YC addition had no significant effect on laying performance. However, it significantly improved egg quality and hatching rate, enhanced ileum crude fat digestibility, increased the serum parameters of lysozyme (LZM) and total antioxidation capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05), and reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (P < 0.05). Using 16S rRNA analysis, we found that addition of YC significantly altered ileum microbial composition. Linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) showed significant enrichment of Bacilli and Lactobacilli in the YC group. PICRUSt analysis of the ileal microbiota found that glutathione metabolism, ubiquinone, and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis protein pathways were highly enriched in the YC group compared with the basal diet group. In summary, the addition of YC can improve egg quality, immune functions, antioxidant capacity, reproduction efficiency, and digestive absorption by increasing the abundance of Lactobacilli and Bacilli. Furthermore, it also improves the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide proteins, glutathione metabolism, and the synthesis of ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone metabolic pathways.

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has beneficial effects on bone and oxidative metabolism in European quail breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) on the production performance, egg quality, bone mineral content, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status of European quail breeders. Two hundred and forty quail breeders were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates of 4 females and 2 males were used. All quail breeders received one of 5 diets: basal diet (containing 2,000 IU vitamin D₃) or the same diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 μg 25-OH-D₃, 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D₃, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 μg 25-OH-D₃, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 μg 25-OH-D₃. Production performance and internal and external egg quality parameters were not influenced by diet. Eggshell dry weight decreased linearly with increasing supplementation levels, and eggshell ash and calcium content increased quadratically. Plasma phosphorus, calcium, and ionic calcium levels in females and plasma ionic calcium levels in males showed a positive quadratic response to dietary supplementation. Femoral and tibiotarsal dry weight and calcium content were influenced by diet. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in the liver of males and females and in the serum of females showed a positive quadratic relationship with Cx and 25-OH-D₃ levels, whereas the malonaldehyde concentration showed a negative quadratic relationship. DPPH scavenging activity in the serum of male quail increased linearly with supplementation. There was a positive quadratic effect on superoxide dismutase gene expression and a positive linear effect on glutathione peroxidase 7 gene expression, suggesting that dietary enrichment with Cx and 25-OH-D₃ might help protect spermatozoa against oxidative damage. The dietary supplement was pro-oxidative at high concentrations (above 9 ppm Cx). The results indicate that diets with adequate levels of Cx and 25-OH-D₃ have a beneficial effect on calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as on the antioxidant defense system. We recommend supplementing European quail breeders in the laying period with 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D₃.

Impact of Dietary Organic Mineral Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Lipid Oxidation, Ovarian Follicular Development, and Immune Response in Laying Hens Under High Ambient Temperature

The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of dietary organic mineral mixture (manganese, zinc, and copper) supplementation on reproductive performance, egg quality characteristics, and immune response in laying hens under high ambient temperature. Hens were randomly divided into three treatments: (1) control (basal diet without organic mineral mixture (Mn, Zn, and Cu) supplementation); (2) basal diet + 0.5 g/kg of organic mineral mixture; and (3) basal diet + 1 g/kg of organic mineral mixture from 30 to 38 weeks of age. Hen-day egg production and egg mass were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of 1 g/kg of organic mineral mixture, while feed intake was not affected; therefore, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved (P < 0.01). Egg weight, albumen width, shell weight, and shell thickness were significantly increased by the dietary treatments. Serum total cholesterol and glucose were significantly decreased by organic mineral mixture supplementation. Interestingly, yolk contents of total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased. Yolk contents of Zn and Cu were significantly increased, while Mn was numerically increased (P > 0.05). Dietary organic mineral mixture supplementation improved the antibody titers against avian influenza H9N1 significantly (P < 0.05) and Newcastle disease virus numerically (P > 0.05) in comparison with the control diet. It might be concluded that the inclusion of organic mineral mixture (Mn, Zn, and Cu) enhanced reproductive performance, shell quality characteristics, plasma profile, yolk mineral concentration, yolk lipid oxidation, and immune response in laying hens under high ambient temperature.

Effects of inorganic trace minerals replaced by complexed glycinates on reproductive performance, blood profiles, and antioxidant status in broiler breeders

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with organic trace minerals (OTM; complexed glycinates) on reproductive performance, blood profiles, and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. A total of 648, 23-week-old healthy broiler breeders (ZhenNing), with similar body weight (1.40 ± 0.002 kg), were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates in each group (27 hens/replicate) and fed the respective experimental diets for 14 wk (including 2 wk for adaptation). The experimental treatments consisted of T1: Cont., commercially recommended levels of ITM (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn sulfates); T2: Mix, half trace minerals (TM) were provided from ITM and half from OTM (glycinates); T3: M-OTM, TM were provided from glycinates and reduced to 70% of T1; T4: L-OTM, TM were provided from glycinates and reduced to 50% of T1. The results showed that commercial level of inorganic trace minerals replaced by low-dose complexed glycinates (T3 and T4) exhibited no significant effects on laying performance, 50% ITM replaced by complexed glycinates (T2) numerically improved laying rate by 1.23% than cont. treatment (T1). Broiler breeders fed complexed glycinates tended to produce more qualified eggs (P = 0.05) in T3, with better yolk color (P < 0.01) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.05) in T2 treatment. Replacement of low-dose complexed glycinates reduced fertilization rate (P < 0.01), while it did not affect hatchability. There were no significant differences in serum reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone among the treatments. Serum total protein, albumin, and phosphorus were increased respectively with the replacement of ITM by low-dose OTM from complexed glycinates (P < 0.05). Total liver antioxidant capacity in M-OTM and L-OTM treatment was higher than that of Cont. and Mix treatments (P < 0.01). In conclusion, replacement of high levels of ITM by lower levels of OTM in the form of complexed glycinates is beneficial for egg quality and liver antioxidant status in broiler breeders during the peak laying period.

Effect of supplementation with organic and inorganic minerals on the performance, egg and sperm quality and, hatching characteristics of laying breeder hens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with organic micro-minerals on egg production, egg quality, sperm quality and hatching of eggs of laying breeder hens. A total of 144 White Plymouth Rock hens and 36 Red Rhode Island roosters were used. For each treatment, birds were assigned to eight replicates with six hens and 12 replicates with one rooster. Birds were fed a basal diet (BD) containing only inorganic micro-minerals (10 mg Cu, 60 mg Fe, 70 mg Mn, 75 mg Zn and 0.3 mg Se per kg of diet) or a BD +500 g/ton of organic micro-mineral (OMM) product (2.5 mg Cu, 17.5 mg Fe, 20 mg Mn, 27.5 mg Zn and 0.080 mg Se per kg of diet) and BD +800 g/ton of OMM (4 mg Cu, 28 mg Fe, 32 mg Mn, 44 mg Zn and 0.128 mg Se per kg of ration). At 43, 44, 45 and 49 wks, egg production was greater with the BD +800 g OMM treatment than with the BD. Egg quality was not affected as a result of diet. Sperm viability was greater in roosters fed BD +800 g of OMM than those fed the BD. Fertility was greater for eggs from hens fed the BD +500 g OMM compared with BD. In conclusion, addition of organic minerals to the diet resulted in l an increased egg production and viability of rooster spermatozoa and egg fertility were greater with feeding of OMM.

Comparative Study of Different Maternal Zinc Resource Supplementation on Performance and Breast Muscle Development of their Offspring

Maternal zinc supplementation has a pivotal role in enhancing breast muscle development of the offspring. What is poorly defined is the impact of supplemental zinc from different sources on the offspring. Broiler breeders at 24-week-old were randomly divided into three treatments with six replicates of 40 hens each and respectively fed for 8 weeks with supplemental 0-(group Zn/C), 100 mg/kg organic-(group Zn/O), and 100 mg/kg inorganic-(group Zn/I) zinc. The male offspring from each nutritional treatment were allocated into eight cages of 14 birds each, and a commercial diet supplemented with zinc from ZnSO₄ at 20 mg/kg was fed to the offsprings. Results showed that eggs from Zn/O group had the highest zinc deposition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, maternal zinc supplementation promoted breast muscle yield; increased serum insulin and IGF-I concentration; upregulated AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K mRNA levels; and improved the phosphorylation of AKT at Serine 473 residue, mTOR at Serine 2448 residue, and FOXO at Serine 256 residue in the breast muscles of the offspring. In contrast, hens' diet supplemented with zinc could result in downregulation of atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA levels in the breast muscle of the offspring. Additionally, no significant effect on breast muscle development post-hatch was observed between organic and inorganic zinc supplementation. In conclusion, maternal organic zinc supplementation improved zinc deposition in egg; however, no significant difference was detected in breast muscle development of the offspring of broiler breeder between organic and inorganic zinc supplementation.

Effects of the different levels of dietary trace elements from organic or inorganic sources on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and faecal mineral excretion of broilers

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sources and levels of trace elements on growth performance, carcass composition and mineral excretion levels of broilers. In a completely randomised experimental design, 900 one-day-old male Ross-308 broilers were assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 30 birds each. The control group (CITE) was fed with a basal diet containing regular inclusion levels of inorganic trace elements. Treatment groups were supplied with reduced levels (30% and 50% of the regular level) of inorganic (ITE) or organic trace elements (OTE), respectively. Groups 50% ITE, 30% OTE and 50% OTE diets had equivalent average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed to gain ratio (F/G ratio) and mortality rate compared with group CITE in any phase. However, compared with group CITE chicks in group 30% ITE have lower ADG and ADFI and higher F/G ratio. The carcass yields were not affected by dietary treatments. Compared with group CITE, in groups 30% ITE, 50% ITE, 30% OTE and 50% OTE the shear force values of the breast muscle were only 71.8%, 83.4%, 63.5% and 59.4% (p < 0.05), respectively. Birds received diets containing reduced levels of trace elements had diminished excretions of Mn and Zn throughout the entire period (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the reduced supplementation of trace elements had no or slightly negative impact on growth performance, carcass yield and meat quality, but decreased faecal mineral excretion. Moreover, the trace element supply as OTE played a limited role on performance and excretion and was only partly beneficial for animal performance in case the trace element supply was reduced to 30%.

Comparison of Inorganic and Organically Bound Trace Minerals on Tissue Mineral Deposition and Fecal Excretion in Broiler Breeders

This study investigated the effects of replacement of inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) by organic trace minerals (OTMs) on tissue mineral retention and fecal excretion in "Zhen Ning" yellow feather broiler breeders. Six hundred hens (initial BW: 1.70 ± 0.07 kg) aged 40 weeks were randomly divided into five treatments, with four replicates of 30 broiler breeders each. Experimental treatments were as follows: (1) ITM (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Se providing commercially recommended concentrations), (2) L-ITM (50% of the ITM, except for Se), (3) VL-OTM (37.5% of the ITM, except for Se), (4) L-OTM (equivalent to L-ITM), and (5) OTM (62.5% of the ITM, except for Se). The duration of the study was 10 weeks including 2 weeks for adaptation. Compared with the L-ITM treatment, high-level supplementation of minerals in ITM and OTM increased the concentration of serum Mn and Se, pectoral Fe and pancreas Cu, and Fe (P < 0.05). Birds fed with OTM dietary exhibited comparable mineral retention in muscle compared with ITM. Differences were observed between L-ITM and L-OTM in serum Mn and Se, pectoral Fe, Zn, and Se, and heart Se with L-OTM retaining higher mineral concentrations than L-ITM (P < 0.05). L-OTM retained identical concentration with ITM treatment, except for the pancreatic Fe. All three organic diets reduced the Zn in excreta compared with the two inorganic diets (P < 0.05). This study indicates that replacement of dietary ITMs by OTMs improved mineral deposition in tissues and reduced fecal mineral excretion in broiler breeders under the conditions of this study.

Chlorothalonil inhibits mouse ovarian development through endocrine disruption

Although many studies have investigated the toxic effects and even the reproductive toxicity of chlorothalonil, almost no studies have focused on the ovary, the organ of oocyte development. Puberty is a critical window for development of the female reproductive system. Therefore, this investigation aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of chlorothalonil at low doses on peripubertal mouse ovarian development. Chlorothalonil is frequently used in horticulture with short intervals between applications, therefore, vegetables and fruits may be potential sources of chlorothalonil contamination. For the first time, this study demonstrated that chlorothalonil inhibited ovarian development during puberty in mice, and at levels currently assumed to have no adverse health consequences for humans. Chlorothalonil exposure inhibited mouse ovarian development by increasing the number of primary follicles and decreasing the number of mature follicles. It acted by decreasing the levels of hormone production proteins, such as FSH receptor and estrogen receptor alpha, while increasing the levels of DNA repairing marker RAD51 and cell apoptosis. These results suggest that chlorothalonil may disrupt endocrine function and inhibit murine ovarian development. Therefore it may pose a potential health risk to female reproductive systems in other species, especially to the ovary.

Growth Performance, Mineral Digestibility, and Blood Characteristics of Ostriches Receiving Drinking Water Supplemented with Varying Levels of Chelated Trace Mineral Complex

The effects of water supplementation of chelated trace minerals (CTM, which is named Bonzaplex designed with chelate compounds technology) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of minerals, and some blood metabolites, TM, and antioxidant enzyme values in African ostriches were investigated from 8 to 12 months of age. A total of 20 8-month-old ostriches (five birds in five replicate pens) was randomly allocated into one of the following four treatments: (1) control (basal diet + tap water), (2) low CTM (basal diet +100 mg/bird/day CTM powder in tap water), (3) medium CTM (basal diet +1 g/bird/day CTM powder in tap water), and (4) high CTM (basal diet +2 g/bird/day CTM powder in tap water). Compared with control, medium CTM improved (P < 0.05) daily weight gain and ATTD of phosphorous, zinc, and copper in 12-month-old ostriches. Furthermore, the feed conversion ratio was lower, and ATTD of magnesium was higher in the medium- and high-CTM groups than that in the control group (P < 0.05). At the end of the trial, ostriches receiving high-CTM treatment exhibited the lower (P < 0.05) serum triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and higher copper levels compared to those of the control treatment. Supplementation of higher amounts of CTM (medium and high CTM) also increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05). No differences were detected for other blood parameters including glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, iron, magnesium, and glutathione peroxidase values. In conclusion, supplementation of CTM at the level of 1 g/bird/day to the drinking water can be recommended for improving growth performance, mineral absorption, and antioxidant status of ostriches fed diets containing the recommended levels of inorganic TM.

Effects of Maternal Zinc Glycine on Mortality, Zinc Concentration, and Antioxidant Status in a Developing Embryo and 1-Day-Old Chick

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal zinc glycine (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on mortality, zinc (Zn) concentration, and antioxidant status in a developing embryo and 1-day-old chick. Six hundred 39-week-old broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 treatments, each treatment including 5 replicates with 20 birds each. Six treatments received a basal diet (control, 24 mg Zn/kg diet) or a basal diet supplemented with ZnSO₄ (80 mg Zn/kg) or Zn-Gly (20, 40, 60, or 80 mg Zn/kg), respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-experiment with a basal diet. At the last week, 100 eggs per replicate were randomly collected for incubation. Compared with the control treatment, Zn supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period, increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick, and improved (P < 0.05) antioxidant status in the embryo of d19 and 1-day-old chick. Compared with the ZnSO₄ treatment, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the late stage embryo mortality and increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick. The 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, total superoxide dismutase activity in 1-day-old chick, and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of d9 embryo and 1-day-old chick than that in ZnSO₄ treatment. The liver metallothionein concentration of the developing embryo and 1-day-old chick and its mRNA abundance of d19 embryo were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment in comparison with ZnSO₄ treatment. In conclusion, maternal Zn supplementation decreased embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period by increasing liver Zn concentration and antioxidant status in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, and 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly treatment was the optimum choice.

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Productive and Reproductive Performance, Zinc Concentration and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Breeders

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24 mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO₄ or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated (P < 0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO₄ group, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased (P < 0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO₄ group. Compared with ZnSO₄ group, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher (P < 0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO₄ group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO₄.

Tissue-Specific Regulation of the Contents and Correlations of Mineral Elements in Hens by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Due to their small size, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are readily absorbed and easily cross biological barriers, which make them promising candidates as diet additives. However, some studies have reported that ZnO NPs cause toxicity; therefore, their safety and potency as diet additives for farm animals should be established. This study was the first to fully evaluate the effects of ZnO NPs on the homeostasis of eight elements in seven organs/tissues. The regulation of element homeostasis was found to be organ specific with no influence on oxidation status, anti-oxidation capability, or organ damage. ZnO NPs may specifically regulate the homeostasis of mineral elements and affect the following correlations: (1) between the element content in each organ and the concentration of Zn used in ZnSO₄ or ZnO NP treatments; (2) between ZnO NP and ZnSO₄ treatments for the same element in each organ; and (3) between elements (in each organ in ZnSO₄ or ZnO NP treatments) in layers' organs/tissues. The use of ZnO NPs as diet additives for animals should be implemented cautiously because, among other uncertainties, they may affect mineral element content.

Regulation of neuroendocrine cells and neuron factors in the ovary by zinc oxide nanoparticles

The pubertal period is an important window during the development of the female reproductive system. Development of the pubertal ovary, which supplies the oocytes intended for fertilization, requires growth factors, hormones, and neuronal factors. It has been reported that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) cause cytotoxicity of neuron cells. However, there have been no reports of the effects of ZnO NPs on neuronal factors and neuroendocrine cells in the ovary (in vivo). For the first time, this in vivo study investigated the effects of ZnO NPs on gene and protein expression of neuronal factors and the population of neuroendocrine cells in ovaries. Intact NPs were detected in ovarian tissue and although ZnO NPs did not alter body weight, they reduced the ovary organ index. Compared to the control or ZnSO4 treatments, ZnO NPs treatments differentially regulated neuronal factor protein and gene expression, and the population of neuroendocrine cells. ZnO NPs changed the contents of essential elements in the ovary; however, they did not alter levels of the steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. These data together suggest that intact ZnO NPs might pose a toxic effect on neuron development in the ovary and eventually negatively affect ovarian developmental at puberty.

Maternal zinc supplementation enhanced skeletal muscle development through increasing protein synthesis and inhibiting protein degradation of their offspring

Previous studies proved that maternal zinc supplementation had no significant effect on body weight (BW) of the offspring, but the effects of maternal zinc supplementation on skeletal muscle development of the offspring are poorly defined. Here, broiler breeders at 46 weeks old were allocated into three treatments with six replicates of 40 hens each and fed with diets supplemented with zinc from ZnSO4 at 0 (group Zn/C), 50 mg/kg (group Zn/L), and 300 mg/kg (group Zn/H) respectively for 6 weeks. The male offspring from each dietary treatment were divided into seven cages of ten birds each and fed with a commercial diet with supplemental zinc from ZnSO4 at 20 mg/kg. Results indicated that with the increase of zinc supplementation in hen's diet, the zinc levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the egg yolk. Compared with the control group, the breast muscle yield and muscle fiber width were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and larger in the broilers from group Zn/H at 2 and 5 weeks post-hatch, the phosphorylation of AKT at serine 473 residue (Ser 473), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) at serine 2448 residue (Ser 2448), and FOXO at serine 256 residue (Ser 256) in skeletal muscles of the birds from various dietary treatments at two different age post-hatch were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The phosphorylation of mTOR and FOXO was usually related to protein synthesis and degradation. In conclusion, supplemental zinc into the breeders' diet could increase protein synthesis and decrease protein degradation, which, in turn, enhance breast muscle development of the offspring.

Effect of supplementation of different boron and copper levels to layer diets on performance, egg yolk and plasma cholesterol

PROCEDURE

This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of different levels boron and copper on performance, lipids in yolk and plasma contains in layer diets. In this trial a total of 320 layer chicken (26 weeks old age) was randomly distributed in 16 experimental groups. In each experiment group were consist at 5 replicates, and in each replicates there were 4 birds. During the 16 weeks experiment period, birds were fed with 16 experimental diets. Experimental diets were consisting of all possible combination of 4 levels of added boron (0, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg) and 4 levels of added copper (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) to the basal ration.

RESULTS

Effect of treatments on body weight change and plasma glucose levels were not significant. However, added boron and copper had a significant effect on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction. While added boron had a significant adverse effect on performance parameters, added copper had a significant positive effect on the same parameters. Yolk lipid contents were increased by addition of boron to the ration. However, yolk lipid contents were decreased by addition of copper to the ration. Plasma lipid contents were also decreased by addition of copper and boron in the ration.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study showed that laying hens from 26 to 42 weeks of age should be fed with 60 mg/kg boron and 150 mg/kg copper supplementation in the diet.