Effects of Dietary Nano-Zinc Oxide on Growth Metrics and Blood Indices in Assam Hill Goat

Abstract

Introduction: The Assam hill goat, an indigenous breed known for its small body structure compared to other goat breeds, thrives in the hilly terrains of Assam, India. In the present study, nano zinc oxide was supplemented in the Assam hill goat diet to explore its effects on improving body weight gain in a shorter period, aiming to enhance Assam hill goats’ growth, health, and productivity.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four three-month-old Assam hill goats were selected and studied over 120 days. The animals were randomly divided into four groups, including Control, T1, T2, and T3, each consisting of six goats (three males and three females) with an average initial body weight of 5.83 kg. Group C (Control) received a standard basal diet with no supplementation, Group T1 was given a basal diet plus 30 mg/kg nano zinc oxide orally, Group T2 received a basal diet plus 40 mg/kg nano zinc oxide orally, and Group T3 was given a basal diet plus 50 mg/kg nano zinc oxide orally. Average body weight gain and changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were recorded and analysed at the end of the trial.

Results: Body weight in treatment groups (T1, T2, T3) significantly increased from 5.800 ± 0.037 kg, 5.833 ± 0.033 kg, and 5.833 ± 0.049 kg at the first of the trial (0) to 8.433 ± 0.042 kg, 8.617 ± 0.095 kg, and 9.067 ± 0.056 kg on day 120, respectively. Hematological parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts) indicated no significant differences. Total protein levels rose significantly in T1, T2, and T3 from 6.400 ± 0.019, 6.395 ± 0.037, and 6.383 ± 0.020 g/dl to 7.135 ± 0.015, 7.332 ± 0.010, and 7.412 ± 0.012 g/dl, respectively. Serum zinc also increased markedly from 0.900 ± 0.019, 0.895 ± 0.037, and 0.892 ± 0.015 mg/L to 1.135 ± 0.015, 1.332 ± 0.010, and 1.405 ± 0.006 mg/L, respectively. In contrast, serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations did not indicate any statistically significant differences among the groups.

Conclusion: Supplementation of nano-zinc oxide at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg feed improved the growth performance and the serum total protein concentration in the body of Assam hill goats.