Effect of organic zinc supplement on performance, immunity responses, cecal microbial population and digestibility of nutrients in broiler chickens reared at high stocking density

In order to investigate the effect of organic zinc (Zn) supplement in broiler chicken nutrition that reared at high stock density, this experiment was done by using 2 levels of density (10 and 16 birds/m2) and 4 levels of Zn (40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm) in a completely randomized design with 4×2 factorial arrangement. The results showed that birds with higher stocking density had lower feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those in normal density from d 1-21 and birds with normal stocking density had lowest FI and FCR from d 22-42 (P<0.05). Cecal population of Coliform decreased in normal and high stock density by increasing Zn level in the diet (P<0.05). Apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein significantly increased by increasing the levels of Zn in the diet in normal and high stock density (P<0.05). These data suggest that dietary supplementation of Zn significantly increased ileal digestibility of crude protein and organic matter and also, decreased cecal population of Coliform and E. coli in high and normal stocking density without affecting the performance of broilers.