Effects of Zinc-Methionine on Body Performance for Broiler Infected with Newcastle Disease

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether Zinc Methionine supplements have a beneficial effect on the body performance of ROSS 308 strain broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease (ND). A total of 120 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 groups: five were treated and one served as a control group. The experimental groups were: G1: 20 chicks, control group; G2: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet (vaccinated at 1 day old with ND killed vaccine + ND eye drop vaccine and at 14 days old with ND eye drop vaccine); G3: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet (vaccinated at 7 and 21 days old with ND live vaccine in drinking water); G4: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet; G5: 20 chicks, vaccinated at 1 day old with ND killed vaccine + ND eye drop vaccine and at 14 days old with ND eye drop vaccine; G6: 20 chicks, vaccinated at 7 and 21 days old with ND live vaccine in drinking water.
Live body weight of chickens in the second, third, and fourth weeks showed significant results for G2. In the fifth week, G2 and G3 showed significant results. Body weight gain was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G2, G3, and G4 during the second, third, and fourth weeks of age. Feed intake in the fourth week was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G2, G3, and G4 compared with other groups, indicating positive effects of Zinc Methionine on feed intake. Feed conversion ratio in the third and fourth weeks showed highly significant effects compared with groups not receiving Methionine and Zinc.

Conclusion: There was an increase in growth performance in the groups supplemented with Zinc Methionine compared to those that did not receive it. We recommend adding Zinc Methionine to feed along with administering the vaccines (killed and eye drop).