Effects of feeding different concentration and forms of zinc on the performance and tissue mineral status of broiler chicks

1. Two studies were conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different concentration and forms of zinc (Zn) on the performance and tibia Zn status of broiler chicks. 2. In Experiment 1, chicks fed on the control or the diet supplemented with 12mg of Zn as sulphate had lower feed intake, weight gain and tibia Zn content than other treatment groups. Chicks given 12 and 24mg of organic Zn in starter and grower phases, respectively, had the same performance and tibia Zn content as those fed 40mg of Zn as sulphate and the same performance but higher tibia Zn content than those given 12mg of Zn as organic over the 42 d. 3. In Experiment 2, chicks given 24mg organic Zn had greater weight gain than chicks fed on the other treatment diets in the starter period. Chicks fed on the control diet had lower tibia Zn content than chicks fed other treatment diets. Chicks given 80mg Zn as sulphate had higher tibia Zn content than chicks fed the other treatment diets except those given 40mg of Zn as sulphate. 4. The results from these trials indicate that feeding lower concentration of Zn as organic form may better promote the growth performance of broiler chicks.