ABSTRACT

This study was carried out at the Noubaria Station, Animal Production Research Institute. Twelve Barki ewes at 3 - 4 years of age 45 ± 1.5 kg body weight were used in the present investigations. Animals were stratified for their initial body weight and age. Each group was composed of 4 pregnant animals at three months. All animals were housed in semi open pens in which water was ad-libitum. The first diet contains the basal diet plus 25 mg of Zn/kg DM as (ZnSO₄·7H₂O). The second and the third diets contain the basal diet plus 15 and 25 mg of Zn/kg DM as (Zn methionine, (ZnMet)) respectively. The inorganic Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) caused a significant decline (P < 0.05) in digestibility coefficients, nutritive value, nitrogen utilization, Cell wall constituents, total VFA’s, rumen volume, microbial nitrogen synthesis and milk composition and yield compared to the both organic Zn (ZnMet). While, organic Zn (ZnMet) caused a significant decline (P < 0.05) in glucose and urea compared to the inorganic Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O). But inorganic or organic zinc did not cause any effect on the serum total protein (TP), albumin (A) concentration, globulin, creatinine, aspartates aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The inorganic Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) caused a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the antioxidants activity (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD and MDA) compared to the both organic Zn (ZnMet).

1. Introduction

Zinc has been associated with protein in several biological systems, particularly enzymes. Several zinc metalloenzymes have been characterized [1]. Orally administered zinc appears to be absorbed at different rates by various parts of the digestive tract in dairy cattle [2]. More evidence is needed before concluding that some organs of the gastro-intestinal tract absorb and retain zinc to a greater extent than other organs. These studies in vivo and in vitro were designed to determine the uptake of zinc by the rumen tissue of lambs.

Chelation refers to a bonding formed between a metal ion (mineral) and ligand (protein or amino acid). A mineral complex is a mixture the mineral and organic compound. The biological role of chelated trace minerals is important. To be beneficial in dairy cows, the product should be stable in the rumen and digestive tract.

Zinc bioavailability from a variety of organic sources has been evaluated in numerous in vivo experiments [3]. However, a limited amount of research has compared zinc methionine (ZnMet), which is produced by chelation of ionized Zn from a soluble Zn salt with AA or partially hydrolyzed protein [4] with inorganic Zn sources. Previously, ZnMet has improved performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers [5] and hoof quality measurements in fattening bulls [6] and has increased Zn concentrations in plasma, liver, and kidney of calves supplemented with high Zn concentrations (500 mg/kg of DM) [7], relative to inorganic Zn sources (ZnSO₄ or ZnO). Although the mechanisms responsible for these observed differences remain unclear, it has been hypothe-sized that Zn bound to organic compounds is more available for absorption than Zn from inorganic sources [8].

Some researchers [9,10] have reported greater bioavailability for organic Zn sources than that observed for inorganic forms, including Zn oxide and Zn sulfate; consequently, organic forms of the element have been used with increasing frequency by the feed industry. In general, variable bioavailability values have been reported with the trace mineral chelates and complexes, indicating no advantage to the use of organic forms of this element [11].

The antioxidant properties of zinc were first demonstrated in vitro, there is also clear evidence that zinc functions as an antioxidant in the body. One area of growing interest is the role of zinc as an antioxidant in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the brain. Compared to other soft tissues, the human brain contains significant amounts of zinc. Among the essential trace elements, zinc is second only to iron in total concentration in the brain. [12]

The main objective of our studies was to evaluate supplementation of different forms (inorganic vs organic) Zinc on digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk production, biochemical parameters and antioxidant response in ewes.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Animal and Experimental Design

This study was carried out at the Noubaria Station, Animal Production Research Institute. Twelve Barki ewes at 3 - 4 years of age 45 ± 1.5 kg body weight were used in the present investigations. Animals were stratified for their initial body weight and age. Each group was composed of 4 pregnant animals at three months. All animals were housed in semi open pens in which water was adlibitum.

2.2. Experimental Diets

(Table 1) shows the experimental diets fed to ewes. In this experiment, concentrate feed mixture was used, its consisted of 45% yellow corn, 31.5% wheat bran, 5% undecorticated cotton seed meal, 10% soybean meal, 5% molasses, 2% limestone, 1% salt and 0.5 premix (containing 25 mg Zn) as basal diet. The first diet contains the basal diet plus 25 mg of Zn/kg DM as (ZnSO₄·7H₂O). The second and the third diets contain the basal diet plus 15 and 25 mg of Zn /kg DM as (Zn methionine, (ZnMet)) respectively, which was approximately around the Zn recommended levels of [13]. The diet was offered in two equal portions daily (8.00 and 16.00).

Kids were kept with their dams all the time except on the day of milk yield determination. The kids were separated from their dams at 7 p.m. of the day perior to the recording day. Dams were milked at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Milk samples were collected once biweekly at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 10 week for recording milk yield production. A sample of milk (100 ml) was taken from two consecutive milking. Milk samples were chemically analyzed for total solid (TS), protein, fat and ash according to [14]

while, lactose was calculated by differences.

2.3. Blood Collection and Analysis

Blood samples were collected at the end of experiment. Blood samples were obtained from the external jugular vein of the animals in the morning before access to feed and water. Plasma or serum were obtained by centrifugation of blood and were stored at –20˚C until analysis. Serum total protein (TP) was measured by the Biuret method according to [15]. Albumin (A) concentration was determined according to the method of [16] while globulin was calculated. Kidney function was evaluated by measuring blood urea using the colorimetric methods [17] using commercial kits. Creatinine was measured using the colorimetric method according to [18]. Liver function was assessed by measuring the activities of aspartates aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) in the serum as [19].

2.4. Feces Collection and Analysis

In this experiment, the same diets in trial 1 were used. Three adult male sheep Barki weighing approximately 55.50 ± 2.00 kg BW, were housed in metabolic cages. Sheep were kept on the diets for a preliminary period of 21 days, and during the next 7-day total feces and urine were collected. Subsamples (20%) of feces and urine were taken once daily and were frozen until analyses. Fecal samples were dried at 60˚C for 72 h. Feed and fecal samples were ground through 1 mm screen on a Wiley mill grinder and the sample (50 gm/sample/treatment/sheep) were composed for analysis. The samples of feed and feces were analyzed for crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), Ether extract (EE) and ash, while the urine sample output for each sheep was analyzed for nitrogen (N) [14]. Cell wall was analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) using Tecator Fibrotic system. Hemicelluloses and cellulose were determined by diffe-rence [20].

2.5. Rumen Liquid Collection and Analysis

Rumen liquid samples taken at 0, 3 and 6 h post feeding from three fistulae adult female Barki sheep weighing approximately 45.50 ± 0.50 kg BW for each treatment, were analyzed immediately for pH using Orian 680 digital pH meter. Samples were strained through four layers of chesses cloth. For each sampling time, rumen fluid samples were preserved for ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) determination by adding concentrated H₂SO₄ (3 drop per 5 ml). The concentration of NH₃-N was determined by using magnesium oxide (MgO) as [14]. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA’s) concentration was estimated by using steam distillation methods [21]. Total bacteria count was carried out according to (Difco, 1984). Rumen volume was determined by the calorimetric method using CrEDTA before and after, 3 and 6 h of feeding [22].

2.6. Measurements of SOD, GSH and MDA Activities

Total SOD activity was determined [23]. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was measured [24]. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by the method based on the reaction of MDA with thiobarbituric acid according to [25].

2.7. Statistical Analysis

Means were calculated for all variables by cow within period. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS [26]. Period and cow were considered random effects; diet and cannulation effects were considered fixed. Estimation method was restricted maximum likelihood and the degrees of freedom method was [26]. Differences were tested using the PDIFF option in SAS [26] using a protected (P < 0.10) LSD test. Differences were declared significant at a P < 0.05; and trends were discussed at a P < 0.15, unless stated otherwise.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Digestibility Coefficients, Nutritive Values and Nitrogen Utilization

Dry matter intake, apparent digestibility coefficients, feeding values and nitrogen utilization of inorganic or organic Zn rations fed to sheep were illustrated in (Table 2) Feed intake was not significantly affected by Zn source or level during the experiment. [27] in the first of three experiments, feed intake tended to drop less in zinc methionine fed calves challenged with Infectious Bovine

Rhinotracheitis (IBR) compared to ZnO fed calves. In the second experiment, control calves fed 30 ppm zinc had lower (P < 0.05) feed intake compared to zinc methionine fed calves receiving 90 ppm zinc, while in experiment three, recovery from depressed feed intake due to IBR fever was slower for ZnO fed calves compared to calves fed zinc methionine. The differences among groups were significant. The sheep fed 15 mg Zn as (ZnMet) ration showed higher (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE than those fed other rations. Some researcher corroborated each other in that each found that absorption was essentially identical for inorganic and chelated zinc, being about 40%, but that the chelated form of zinc was retained better (P < 0.05) than the inorganic form of zinc [28]. The methionine of this proteinate was only of small consequence in the rumen [29]. Chelated minerals usually cost more, per unit of metal element, than the same metal in inorganic form. Absorption of zinc is also reduced by an excess or deficiency of proteins in feed [30].

Sheep fed ZnMet ration as 15 mg Zn showed higher (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE, NDF, ADF and nutritive values TDN and DCP than those fed other rations. These results are consistent with ZnMet being absorbed more efficiently than ZnSO₄ when supplemented at high concentrations. Increased uptake of Zn from ZnMet could be explained by ZnMet interacting less than ZnSO₄, with antagonists that form insoluble complexes. Alternatively, Zn from ZnMet may have been associated with ligands that facilitated Zn uptake in the duodenum. Metal ions may be absorbed as part of a metal: peptide complex, there by facilitating absorption of Zn via intestinal transport mechanisms distinct from inorganic Zn [31]. The importance of enzyme function as it relates to animal performance was illustrated by zinc depletion-repletion trials reported by [32]. Zinc was shown to have a critical role in proteolytic enzyme systems associated with muscle protein turnover. Zinc functions in the immune system through energy production, protein synthesis, stabilization of membranes against bacterial end toxins, antioxidant enzyme production, and maintenance of lymphocyte replication and antibody production [33]. Adding complexes trace minerals to the lower level of inorganic supplementation improved responses over the higher levels of inorganic trace minerals. Adding additional complexes trace minerals significantly increased both antibody titer levels and macrophage killing ability over the highest level of inorganic trace mineral supplementation [34].

Data of nitrogen balance in 25 mg of Zn/kg DM as (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) was the lowest (P < 0.05) value (2.83 g) while in 15 mg Zn as (ZnMet) was the highest (4.47 g, respectively), the mean that treatments improved nitrogen balance. There were reflected in better (P < 0.05) Nutilization of the ration fed to sheep.It may be possible for metal ions to be transported into the intestinal mucosa as part of metal peptide complexes via mechanisms distinct from ionic Zn [31]. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated the ability of ruminal and omasal tissue to effectively absorb and translocate methionine and the dipeptides carnosine and methionylglycine [35]. Solubility is critical for trace mineral absorption. To maximize uptake, chelates and other complexes should be stable in the rumen and digestive tract of animals. Chelates are stable, electrically neutral complexes, which protect trace minerals from chemical reactions during digestion that would render the mineral unavailable to the animal. When inorganic mineral compounds, typically in oxide or sulfide form, are released and ionized in the stomach’s low pH, the electrically charged forms of the minerals are able to react with other products of digestion. Complexes with naturally occurring organic ligands must form if absorption is to occur. However, the formation of insoluble, unavailable substances may also result, especially in the small intestine, when pancreatic bicarbonate restores a higher, more neutral pH. Added minerals precomplexes with organic ligands thus are used to increase bioavailability and uptake. The chelated mineral reaches the plasma intact and separates at the site of action.

3.2. Rumen Fluid Parameters

Resulted of (Table 3) indicated that rumen liquor pH values did not significantly differ among treatments. Organic Zn sources tested in the present study showed different degrees of acidity. When saturated solutions were prepared in deionized H₂O, the pH of the solutions decreased. The consistency of pH readings can be used as one criterion to test product uniformity from batch to batch [36]. The amount of organic Zn that could be dissolved in deionized H₂O varied form source to source in the present experiments, indicating different degrees of solubility. The NH₃-N concen-trations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in THF and THS rations than other rations.

Sheep in the ZnMet treatments had higher (P < 0.05) total VFA concentrations than those in the ZnSO₄. Alternatively, Zn from ZnSO₄ may have been taken up by ruminal microorganisms to a greater extent, and this could explain the lower Ruminal soluble Zn concentrations in steers fed ZnSO₄. Steers supplemented with Zn proteinate [5] or a Zn polysaccharide [37] also had higher ruminal soluble Zn concentrations than those receiving inorganic Zn oxide. The higher total VFA concentrations observed in steers supplemented with ZnMet or ZnGly compared to animals fed the ZnSO₄ treatments could relate to a slower rate of feed Consumption or reduced rate of ruminal digestion. Extremely high concentrations (1142 mg Zn per kg) of ZnSO₄ have been shown to affect ruminal protozoa numbers and degradation of feed protein [38]. High dietary concentrations (250 - 1142 mg Zn per kg) of organic Zn have also increased molar proportion of propionate in previous studies [38,39]. The effect of more physiological additions of Zn on ruminal fermentation has received little attention.

Data of rumen volumes, rates of outflow and microbial protein synthesis are presented in (Table 3). The differences among groups were significant. The ZnMet rations

were higher (P < 0.05) values of rumen volumes and microbial protein synthesis than inorganic Zn, while the both of organic Zn (ZnMet) were the lower (P < 0.05) values of rates of outflow than inorganic Zn. Ruminal microbial protein synthesis depends on supply of adequate amounts and type of carbohydrate (CHO) as an energy source for the synthesis of peptide bonds [40]. Synthetic amino acids or amino acids precursor (Methyl Hydroxy Analogue: MHA) are also used as ligands in chelating trace minerals. The definitive advantage of MHA is that its is non-degraded in rumen as there is no Nitrogen atom in its chemical structure and hence rumen microbes do not recognize it as a source for microbial protein synthesis escapes the rumen degradation. Moreover, the molecular size of MHA chelated is below 400 Dalton which facilitated its efficient absorption through intestine.

3.3. Milk Yields and Milk Composition

Data concerning milk yield and its composition are presented in (Table 4). The milk yield and fat corrected milk (FCM) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) for both the ZnMet rations compared with inorganic Zn ration. The average daily milk yield were increased by 12.32% and 9.78% in 15 mg Zn (ZnMet) ration and 25 mg Zn (ZnMet) ration than 25 mg Zn (ZnSO₄) ration, respectively. However, improving of nutrients composition, its digestibility and the feeding values of both the ZnMet rations were reflect on the more % FCM produced by ewes fed that ration which had about 24.20% and 21.11% more 4% FCM than the inorganic Zn ration. In addition to about 26.06% and 31.33% more protein and fat produced, respectively. This agrees with the results of [41-42]. Zinc supplement had positive influence on ewe milk production [41]. Similar results have been reported previously when dairy cows were supplemented with chelated minerals [42]. But contrast to the results [2,

43,44], reported no increase in milk yield from feeding organic trace mineral complexes.

3.4. Blood Biochemical and Serum Constituents

The average values of some blood constituents in the blood of ewes consuming the different experimental rations are presented in (Table 5). No significant differences were observed among groups concerning the entire blood constituent. Moreover, they were within the normal average as described by [45]. [46] reported that Zn plays a clear role in the synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin in human as well as conformational integrity of insulin in the hexameric form. Glucagon led to a pronounced decrease in cytosolic Zn²⁺. Glucagon and Zn stimulated glycogenolysis by increasing the phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase but acted oppositely on glycolysis. Zn overcame the inactivation of pyruvate kinase by glucagon without changing the hormone-induced protein phosphorylation [47,48]. Zinc inhibits the accumulation of glucose in rat intestinal segments in vitro [48]. The uptake of glucose by brush border membrane vesicles from pig small intestinal [49].

3.5. Antioxidant Enzyme Activities

Data of antioxidants activity in blood of lactating ewes during experimental period were showed in (Table 6). The activity of GSH, GSH-Px, SOD and MDA increased gradually with the ZnMet. Results of isoenzyme patterns suggested that at least four isoenzyme bands are detected

and a novel isoenzyme is found in the cotyledons (III), hypocotyls (III) and radicles (II) at the 15 mg Zn as ZnMet. These isoenzymes show different staining intensity with the ZnMet and the staining densities of SOD isoenzyme were consistent with the changes of the activities assayed in solutions. SOD play an important role in detoxification processes by catalyzing the conversion of free to O₂ and H₂O₂ and is associated with stress situations including zinc stress [50]. The mechanism of reactions catalyzed by SOD consists in the reduction and oxidation of metal ions which are present in the active centre of this enzyme (Zn, Cu). As a result of these reactions, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is produced. The biosynthesis of SOD is under close control. Unfortunately, so far this process has been described only for bacterial cells [51]. But it is known that the inductor of the synthesis is a product of molecular oxygen (O₂) reduction and that this process is regulated by iron ions. It has been noted that the level of iron ions in the serum increases in conditions of exposure to lead. Even a small increase in the concentration of iron ions leads to a sudden production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for example in the Fenton-like reaction [52]. The mechanism of catalysis influenced by SOD suggests that this enzyme is an incomplete antioxidant which protects from the action of one free oxygen radical O₂. Biologically the action of SOD through H₂O₂ is connected with the action of CAT. The function of CAT is removal of H₂O₂ formed as a result of the action of the oxygen dehydrogenates. Available literature data have shown that H₂O₂ inhibits the activity of SOD, while O₂ inhibits the action of CAT (Kulikowska-Karpińska and Moniuszko-Jakoniuk, 2001). In plants, environmental adversity often leads to the increased generation of reduced oxygen species and consequently, SOD has been proposed to be important in plant stress tolerance [12]. In the present study, SOD activity in the cotyledons are significant higher than those of the hypocotyls and radicles at the same zinc level, suggesting that the cotyledons are most sensitive, when exposed to zinc toxicity. Isoform enzymes of Page analysis showed that the levels of SOD transcripts are induced in response to zinc stress; however, they differ in different tissues and zinc concentrations. These results might suggest that a hierarchy of regulatory events act at the transcription of SOD genes. Pioneer studies had shown a general stimulation of constitutive SODs and the induction of specific SOD isoenzymes in different plant species (Prasad et al., 1999). Enhanced SOD activity could potentially increase oxidative stress due to increased production of H₂O₂. Based on the above results, the increased SOD activities and their isoenzymes may play an important role in the defensive mechanisms of plant seedling against zinc toxicity. POD, along with SOD and CAT, are redox metalloenzymes involved in cell defense against oxidative stress. Plant PODs, which are encoded by small or large multigenic families, are involved in several important physiological and developmental processes [53]. POD can also be considered useful markers for environmental stresses since their activity is affected by heavy metal, salt and other environment conditions.

REFERENCES