Effect of zinc supplementation on certain serum biochemical parameters in growing pigs

Twenty-four healthy and uniform crossbred (Hampshire x Assam Local) pigs, 4 months of age, were selected to study the effect of 500 ppm Zn supplementation on certain serum biochemical parameters for a period of four months. The animals were divided into three groups (n=8/group): group C (basal diet), group T1 (basal diet + 100 ppm Zn + calcium carbonate @ 1.5% DM) and group T2 (basal diet + 500 ppm Zn). Serum samples were collected at 15-day intervals and analysed for serum Zn, copper, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose cholesterol. The serum Zn concentration in the T1 group decreased significantly (P<0.01) from day 30 until day 120 of treatment, whereas in the T2 group, the level increased significantly (P<0.01) from day 15 onwards. The serum copper concentration did not change groups. The total protein concentration in the serum showed a significant (P<0.01) increasing trend in the T2 group from day 45 of treatment, and a significant (P<0.01) decreasing trend was observed in the T1 group compared to the C group. The serum globulin concentration decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in the T1 group compared with the C and T2 groups during the treatment period. An increasing trend in glucose and cholesterol levels was recorded at T2 during the treatment period. However, decrease, (P<0.01) in glucose and cholesterol levels was recorded in the T1 group from day 30 to day 120 of treatment. The haemoglobin concentration showed a significant (p<0.01) decreasing trend in the T1 group from day 45 onwards.