Effect of Nano Zinc Supplementation on the Blood Profile, Mineral Metabolites and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Maradi Bucks

Abstract

This study investigated the blood profile, mineral metabolites and blood oxidative stress biomarkers of maradi bucks fed nano zinc oxide supplementation diets. A total of sixteen (16) bucks aged between 7-9 months with average weight of 9.15±1.64kg were used for this experiment. Sixteen (16) maradi bucks with similar average weight were randomly allotted after weight equalization to four treatment groups (0mg/kg nZnO, 650mg/kg nZnO, 700mg/kg nZnO, 750mg/kg nZnO respectively) in a completely randomized design. Blood was collected at the end of 84days feeding trial and data collected includes; haematological and serum biochemical indices, blood minerals and oxidative stress biomarker indices. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results revealed there were significant differences (P<0.05) in Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) values across experimental treatment. Bucks on 0mg/kg nZnO, 650mg/kg nZnO, and 700mg/kg nZnO were significantly higher than bucks on 750mg/kg nZnO. Biochemical indices such as total protein, albumin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) also differ across the treatment groups. Potassium and chloride values were similar across the supplementation groups while sodium and calcium differ significantly (P<0.05). The activity of the oxidative stress indicator (catalase) was greatly influenced by nano zinc oxide. The use of nZnO is environmentally friendly as it helped to reduce the levels of environmental pollution that could have happen using conventional Zinc.