Zinc supplementation in ruminant diets: efficacy, safety, and formulation.

Abstract

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.