Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of Zinc Source on Performance, Zinc Status, Immune Response, and Rumen Fermentation of Lactating Cows

  • Published:
Biological Trace Element Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of zinc (Zn) source on the performance, Zn status, immune response, and rumen fermentation of lactating cows to find the most available Zn source for dairy production. In Experiment 1, a total of 30 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated by body weight and milk yield to one of five treatments in a completely randomized design. Cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with no Zn addition (containing 37.60 mg Zn/kg TMR by analysis), and the basal TMR supplemented with 40 mg Zn/kg TMR from either Zn sulfate or one of three organic Zn chelates with weak (Zn-AA W), moderate (Zn-Pro M), or strong (Zn-Pro S) chelation strengths, respectively for 55 days. In Experiment 2, the in vitro rumen fermentation method was used in a completely randomized design involving a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The four Zn sources were the same as those used in Experiment 1, and the three supplemental Zn levels in the rumen fluid were 0, 10, and 20 μg/mL, respectively. The feed intake, milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) were unaffected (P > 0.05) by treatments. However, the milk yield was increased (P < 0.05) by addition of Zn from both the Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S. Plasma Zn level at the end of the experiment was increased (P < 0.05) by addition of Zn from all three organic sources. Serum antibody titers on day 21 after vaccination with foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine were increased (P < 0.05) by both supplemental Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S. The organic Zn sources with different chelation strengths supplemented at the added Zn level of 10 μg/mL were more effective (P < 0.05) in improving the rumen fermentation than Zn sulfate, with the most effective being Zn-AA W. In conclusion, Zn source had no influence on the feed intake, milk composition, and SCC; however, both the Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S were more effective than Zn-Pro M and Zn sulfate in enhancing the rumen fermentation, Zn status, and humoral immune response as well as improving milk yield of lactating cows. The improved milk production might be attributed to the improved rumen fermentation, Zn status, and immune function.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Gaither LA, Eide DJ (2001) Eukaryotic zinc transporters and their regulation. Biometals 14:251–270

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Spears JW (1989) Zinc methionine for ruminants: relative bioavailability of zinc in lambs and effects on growth and performance of growing heifers. J Anim Sci 67:835–843

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Spears JW, Harvey RW, Brown TT Jr (1991) Effects of zinc methionine and zinc oxide on performance, blood characteristics, and antibody titer response to viral vaccination in stressed feeder calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc 199:1731–1733

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Rojas LX, McDowell LR, Martin FG, Wilkinson NS, Johnson AB, Njeru CA (1996) Relative bioavailability of zinc methionine and two inorganic zinc sources fed to cattle. J Trace Elem Med Biol 10:205–209

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Kincaid RL, Chew BP, Cronrath JD (1997) Zinc oxide and amino acid as sources of dietary zinc for calves: effects on uptake and immunity. J Dairy Sci 80:1380–1388

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Cao J, Henry PR, Guo R, Holwerda RA, Toth JP, Littell RC, Miles RD, Ammerman CB (2000) Chemical characteristics and relative bioavailability of supplemental organic zinc sources for poultry and ruminants. J Anim Sci 78:2039–2054

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Malcolm-Callis KJ, Duff GC, Gunter SA, Kegley EB, Vermeire DA (2000) Effects of supplemental zinc concentration and source on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum values in finishing beef steers. J Anim Sci 78:2801–2808

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Spears JW, Kegley EB (2002) Effect of zinc source (zinc oxide vs. proteinate) and level performance, carcass characteristics, and immune response of growing and finishing steers. J Anim Sci 80:2747–2752

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kessler J, Morel I, Dufey FA, Stern A, Geyes H (2003) Effect of organic zinc sources on performance, zinc status, and carcass, meat, and claw quality in fattening bulls. Livest Prod Sci 81:171–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Salama AA, Caja G, Albanell E, Such X, Casals R, Plaixats J (2003) Effects of dietary supplements of zinc–methionine on milk production, udder health and zinc metabolism in dairy goats. J Dairy Res 70:9–17

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Kellogg DW, Tomlinson DJ, Socha MT, Johnson AB (2004) Effects of zinc methionine complex on milk production and somatic cell count of dairy cows: twelve-trial summary. Prof Anim Sci 20:295–301

    Google Scholar 

  12. Spears JW, Schlegel P, Seal MC, Lloyd KE (2004) Bioavailability of zinc from zinc sulfate and different organic zinc sources and their effects on ruminal volatile fatty acid proportions. Livest Prod Sci 90:211–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Wright CL, Spears JW (2004) Effect of zinc source and dietary level on zinc metabolism in Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 87:1085–1091

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Mandal GP, Dass RS, Isore DP, Garg AK, Ram GC (2007) Effect of zinc supplementation from two sources on growth, nutrient utilization and immune response in male crossbred cattle (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls. Anim Feed Sci Technol 138:1–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Nunnery GA, Vasconcelos JT, Parsons CH, Salyer GB, Defoor PJ, Valdez FR, Galyean ML (2007) Effects of source of supplemental zinc on performance and humoral immunity in beef heifers. J Anim Sci 85:2304–2313

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Garg AK, Mudgal V, Dass RS (2008) Effect of organic zinc supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization and mineral profile in lambs. Anim Feed Sci Technol 144:82–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Cope CM, Mackenzie AM, Wilde D, Sinclair LA (2009) Effect of level and form of dietary zinc on dairy cow performance and health. J Dairy Sci 92:2128–2135

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Sobhanirad S, Carlson D, Kashani RB (2010) Effect of zinc methionine or zinc sulfate supplementation on milk production and composition of milk in lactating dairy cows. Biol Trace Elem Res 136:48–54

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Whitaker DA, Eayres HF, Aitchison K, Kelly JM (1997) No Effect of a dietary zinc proteinate on clinical mastitis, infection rate, recovery rate and somatic cell count in dairy cows. Vet J 153:197–204

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Pechová A, Pavlata L, Lokajová E (2006) Zinc supplementation and somatic cell count in milk of dairy cows. Acta Vet Brno 75:355–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Gaafar HMA, Basiuoni MI, Ali MFE, Shitta AA, Shamas ASE (2010) Effect of zinc methionine supplementation on somatic cell count in milk and mastitis in Friesian cows. Archiva Zootechnica 13:36–46

    Google Scholar 

  22. Nagalakshmi D, Dhanalakshmi K, Himabindu D (2009) Effects of dose and source of supplemental zinc on immune response and oxidative enzymes in lambs. Vet Res Commun 33:631–644

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Pechová A, Misurova L, Pavlata L, Dvorak E (2009) The influence of supplementation of different forms of zinc in goats on the zinc concentration in blood plasma and milk. Biol Trace Elem Res 132:112–121

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Liang JG, Lin L, Luo XG, Diao QY, Liu B (2008) Physical and chemical characteristics of supplemental organic zinc sources and their stabilities in vitro fermentation rumen. Acta Vet Zootech Sin 39:1355–1366

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Huang YL, Lu L, Li SF, Luo XG, Liu B (2009) Relative bioavailabilities of organic zinc sources with different chelation strengths for broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet. J Anim Sci 87:2038–2046

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Yu Y, Lu L, Luo XG, Liu B (2008) Kinetics of zinc absorption by in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers involved in zinc transporters. Poult Sci 87:1146–1155

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Yu Y, Lu L, Wang RL, Xi L, Luo XG, Liu B (2010) Effects of zinc source and phytate on zinc absorption by in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers. Poult Sci 89:2157–2165

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. NRC (2001) Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle, 7th edn. National Academy Press, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  29. Zhao GY, Feng YL (1996) The effects of water temperature on ruminal fermentation using in vitro rumin fermentation method. Chin J Anim Sci 32:8–10

    Google Scholar 

  30. Baumgardt BR, Taylor MW, Cason JL (1962) Evaluation of forages in the laboratory. II. Simplified artificial rumen procedure for obtaining repeatable estimates of forage nutritive value. J Dairy Sci 45:62–68

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Lundquist RG, Stern MD, Otterby DE, Linn JG (1985) Influence of methionine hydroxy analog and DL-methionine on rumen protozoa and volatile fatty acids. J Dairy Sci 68:3055–3058

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. AOAC (2000) Official methods of analysis, 21st edn. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Arlington

    Google Scholar 

  33. Albanell E, Ca'ceres P, Caja G, Molina E, Gargouri A (1999) Determination of fat, protein, and total solids in bovine milk by near-infrared spectroscopy. J Assoc Off Anal Chem 82:753–758

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Frumholtz PP, Newbold CJ, Wallace RJ (1989) Influence of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract on the fermentation of a basal ration in the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec). J Agric Sci 113:169–172

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. SAS (1998) Statistical analysis system. SAS user's guide: statistics. SAS Inst Inc, Cary

    Google Scholar 

  36. Campbell MH, Miller JK, Schrick FN (1999) Effect of additional cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc on reproduction and milk yield of lactating dairy cows receiving bovine somatotropin. J Dairy Sci 82:1019–1025

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Nocek JE, Socha MT, Tomlinson DJ (2006) The effect of trace mineral fortification level and source on performance of dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 89:2679–2693

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Spears JW (1996) Organic trace minerals in ruminant nutrition. Anim Feed Sci Technol 58:151–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Cao J, Henry PR, Davis SR, Cousins RJ, Miles RD, Littell RC, Ammerman CB (2002) Relative bioavailability of organic zinc sources based on tissue zinc and metallothionein in chicks fed conventional dietary zinc concentrations. Anim Feed Sci Technol 101:161–170

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Kennedy DW, Craig WM, Southern LL (1993) Ruminal distribution of zinc in steers fed a polysaccharide–zinc complex or zinc oxide. J Anim Sci 71:1281–1287

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the special foundation of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) for the first-place distinguished scientists (Beijing, People's Republic of China), the Research Program of the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition (project no. 2004DA125184G1108; Beijing, People's Republic of China), and the Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (project no. 30871798; Beijing, People's Republic of China).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mineral Nutrition Research Division, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China

    Run L. Wang, Jian G. Liang, Lin Lu, Li Y. Zhang, Su F. Li & Xu G. Luo

  2. Department of Animal Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, People’s Republic of China

    Run L. Wang

  3. Department of Animal Science, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066000, People’s Republic of China

    Su F. Li

Authors
  1. Run L. Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jian G. Liang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lin Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Li Y. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Su F. Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xu G. Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xu G. Luo.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wang, R.L., Liang, J.G., Lu, L. et al. Effect of Zinc Source on Performance, Zinc Status, Immune Response, and Rumen Fermentation of Lactating Cows. Biol Trace Elem Res 152, 16–24 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-012-9585-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-012-9585-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation