Effect of in ovo Feeding and Supplementation of Inorganic and Nano Zinc on Growth Performance and Economics of Broilers

Abstract

In ovo feeding of zinc is a novel method to elicit growth performance and immunity in broilers. However, studies on in ovo feeding vis-à-vis dietary supplementation of zinc in broilers are limited. The present study evaluated the effects of in ovo feeding and supplementation of nano Zn and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on physiological and growth performance parameters in broiler chickens from 0 to 6 weeks of age. We also aimed to investigate cloacal temperature (CT), body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Fertile eggs were injected with ZnSO₄ or nano Zn, followed by post-hatch supplementation through water. Results revealed that in ovo nano Zn significantly lowered CT during the 1st and 6th week of age, with reductions also observed during 4–6 weeks through Zn water supplementation. While nano Zn- fed chicks had significantly lower day-old weights, dietary Zn supplementation improved BW and BWG from the 1st week onward, with significant increases during 3–6 weeks. FI was significantly higher for nano Zn-supplemented birds in the 1st and 2nd week of age and FCR improved significantly as well as feed cost per kilogram body weight gain was significantly lower during 4th and 6th week of age. In ovo and zinc supplementation enhanced growth performance, improved feed conversion ratio and lowered feed cost per kilogram body weight gain in broilers highlighting the potential of nano Zn and ZnSO₄ as effective tools for optimizing poultry production.