Zinc supplementation in ruminant diets: Efficacy, safety, and formulation

Lizbeth E. Robles Jimenez, Mario Alberto Rodríguez Maya, Edgar Aranda-Aguirre, Marta Miranda Castañon, Ignacio A. Dominguez Vara, Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez, González Ronquillo Manuel*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is a micro mineral with catalytic regulatory and structural functions in muscle tissue. It increases growth in ruminants because it modulates energy metabolism. It participates in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids; it stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes and contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.The use of different sources of Zn in ruminant diets has increased in recent years. Because of the human healthy living trend, dietary supplement alternatives have grown fast in ruminant production. In this sense, dietary Zn has a potential to enhance antiviral immunity, both innate and humoral, and to restore depleted immune cell function or to improve normal immune cell function. In addition, Zn supplementation improves weight gain and reproductive parameters in ruminants.The objective of this review was to update current knowledge on Zn in ruminant diets from intake to excretion.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberA3
JournalCAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources
Volume16
Issue number7
ISSN1749-8848
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Dietary supplements
  • Metabolism
  • Ruminants
  • Zinc

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