Impact of hydroxylated copper and zinc supplementation on growth and hepatic enzymes in growing Barbari goat kids

Abstract

The study was aimed to assess the impact of hydroxylated Cu and Zn supplementation on growth and hepatic functions of growing Barbari goat. Twenty four Barbari goat kids (4-6 months) were randomly divided into 4 groups of six in each. First group (gCON) was control, kept on basal diet with no supplement. 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were taken as treatment group viz. gHCu (basal diet and 15 mg hydroxylated Cu /kg DM), gHZn (basal diet and 50 mg hydroxylated Zn /kg DM) and pHCZ (basal diet and 15 mg hydroxylated Cu/kg DM and 50 mg hydroxylated Zn/kg DM). Body weight (BW) and feed consumption was recorded at the start of experimental study and thereafter, fortnightly. Plasma was separated by centrifugation from aseptically collected blood to analyze liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP). Overall ADG and FCR mean value was found significantly (p<0.05) higher in gHCZ, gHZN and gHCu groups than gCON. Mean DMI (g/d) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in gHCZ group than gCON, gHCu and gHZn groups. The mean value of alanine transferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was lower in gHCZ, gHZN and gHCu groups with no significant (p>0.05) difference as compare to gCON group. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of hydroxylated Cu (10 mg/kg) and Zn (50 mg/kg) both alone and in combination improved growth, feed efficiency and hepatic functions by reducing enzymatic activity.