The effects of organically chelated zinc on performance in sheep

Abstract

This research aims to quantify the effects of organic zinc supplements on performance, health and digestibility in sheep, when compared with inorganic zinc supplements.

Description

There is considerable debate over the benefits of feeding organically chelated mineral supplements instead of inorganic mineral complexes to production animals. The research aims to investigate the effects of Bioplex zinc supplements on the health, digestibility and performance of sheep when compared with an inorganic zinc supplement. Sheep will be fed varying levels of either organic or inorganic zinc, with a control group fed a purified diet free from zinc. Sheep will be weighed regularly to determine effects on growth rate, blood sampled to identify any changes in plasma zinc concentration and other blood parameters and condition scored.