Effect of supplementing organic trace minerals (zinc, manganese, iron, copper and selenium) on semen quality, reproductive performance and immune response of Gimmizah cocks [electronic resouce].

Includes references.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of some dietary organic trace minerals supplementation on semen quality, reproductive performance and immune response of Gimmizah cocks. A total of 160 hens and 40 cocks aged 24 wks were distributed randomly among eight experimental groups (20 hens and 5 cocks/ group). Birds were fed different experimental eight diets. Two control diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements of chickens as recommended by NRC (1994). The first diet was considered as negative control and supplemented with 100% inorganic trace minerals (Inorg-TM) and the second one was considered as positive control and supplemented with 100% organic trace minerals (Org-TM). The third group was supplemented with 50% of organic trace minerals. The rest five diets were supplemented with 50% of the organic form of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or selenium (Se), respectively. The premix was formulated to contain the requirements of trace elements in inorganic form (sulphate), organic form (peptide chelate) or in combination. Obtained results indicated that: 1-Values of white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume were higher in cocks fed at 50% and 100% levels of Org-TM (P?0.05) compared with control Inorg-TM. 2- A significant increase was observed in blood plasma Mn, Cu and Se concentrations for cock's diet supplemented with 50% and 100% Org-TM and organic trace minerals as a separated elements compared with those for control Inorg-TM. Key Words: Organic trace minerals, cocks, semen, excreta, bones.

Summary in Arabic.

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