The effect of different zinc sources on performance, blood mineral and cell counts of Zandi lambs

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different zinc (Zn) sources on performance، blood mineral and cell counts of Zandi lambs. 18 male lambs at weaning were supplemented with two different sources of zinc، 25 ppm ZnSO4 and 25 ppm zinc-peptide added to the basal diet as control. Live body weight، weight gain and feed efficiency improved with Zn-peptide supplementation (P 0. 05). Sera Zn concentration was higher and copper and iron concentration was lower in zinc supplemented groups (P<0. 05). Supplementation of zinc had no effect on blood cell counts except for white blood cells that decreased with zinc peptide supplementation (P<0. 05). It was concluded that adding 25 ppm zinc peptide to fattening lamb diet improved performance and cause to higher level of blood zinc.