Veterinaria

Review paper

Effect of Dietary Zinc and Manganese on Performance, Skin Quality and Meat Quality of Broilers: A review

Mohamed A.E. Elkhairey 1, 2, Junhu Yao 1, Hassan Z. A. Ishag 3, 4*, Elhashmi Y. H. A. 2

1 Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China

2 Faculty of Animal Production, University of Gezira, Al-Managil, P.O 20, Sudan

3 Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Veterinary Bio- products, Nanjing 210014, China

4 Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Nyala, Nyala, Sudan

Abstract

Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese are essential cofactors for hundreds of cellular enzymes and transcription factors in all animal species. Thus, trace minerals participate in several biochemical processes such as immune development and response, tissue and bone development and integrity, protection against oxidative stress, and cellular growth and division. Trace minerals are critical for a wide variety of physiological processes in all animals. Besides, Trace minerals act as cofactors of enzymes which are important to the immunity of animal. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, ceruloplasmin and catalase are important enzymes that have trace elements as cofactors. These enzymes act as antioxidants and prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing oxidants produced under different stresses. Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) are important trace minerals in animal nutrition involved in many metabolic processes, including growth, skin quality and wound healing. Bioavailability of these trace mineral can be improved through complexing them with available compounds that can enhance mineral absorption. Zn complexed with organic compounds showed better absorption in animals than inorganic Zn sources. Overall, trace minerals improve competence and productive performance and meat quality.

Keywords: Trace Mineral, Zinc and Manganese, Poultry, Response, Production

Received: June 02, 2015; Revised: June 22, 2015; Accepted: July 04, 2015

*Corresponding Author: Hassan Z. A. Ishag; Email: hassan8377@yahoo.com