Effect of Zinc from Zinc Sulfate on Ewes` Weight, Milk Yield, Zn Concentrations in Serum and Serum Alkaline Phosphates Activity of Varamini Ewes

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding supplemental zinc (zinc sulfate) in different levels (0, 15 and 30 mg/kg) on ewes weight, milk production, Zn concentrations in serum and serum alkaline phosphates activity. Thirty lactating Varaminni ewes were assigned to three experimental groups according to their live body weights, milk production and lambs sex in a completely randomized design. Ewes were fed a basal diet containing alfalfa, wheat straw, cottonseed meal, barley grain, wheat bran, cracked corn and vitamin-mineral supplements at 3.2% of BW to meet NRC requirements for protein, energy, macro minerals and micro minerals. The basal diet contained 15 mg/kg Zn and Zinc sulfate was added to the basal diet to supply 30 or 45 mg/kg of dietary zinc. Milk yielded, milk composition and ewes` weight was recorded at 7 and 21 days intervals respectively. Samples of the blood were taken three times (0, 35 and 64) for determination of Concentration of Zn, Cu and Fe, Na, K, Ca in serum. Also serum alkaline phosphates concentration of ewes was measured. Milk yield, milk composition and ewes` weight of ewes were not affected by supplemental zinc (p>0.05). Alkaline phosphatase concentration was increased with supplemental zinc linearly and this increase was significant (p<0.05). Blood mineral concentration was not affected by treatment (p>0.05).