Effects of nano zinc oxide supplementation on metabolic parameters during the transition period in Lacaune ewes

This study was conducted to determine the influence of nano zinc oxide (N-ZnO) on metabolic parameters in transition periods of the Lacaune ewes. The animals were allocated into two equal groups: the control group (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 10) supplemented with 20 mg/kg of N-ZnO. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on days -30, -15, 0 (parturition), + 15 and +30. A time effect was observed on aspartate aminotransferase which decreased in both groups from day -30 to day 0 (P <= 0.05). All ewes on day 0 had lower alanine aminotransferase than on day -30 (P <= 0.001) and day -15 (P <= 0.05). In both groups, albumin and total protein levels on day -30, blood urea nitrogen level on day +30 (P <= 0.001), beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acid levels on day +15 (P <= 0.05) were higher. Triglycerides on day +30, glucose on days -15, 0, + 30 were lower (P <= 0.001). Blood calcium was lower (P <= 0.05) and zinc was higher on day +30 (P <= 0.001). In conclusion, there was no significant effect of N-ZnO/kg supplementation during the transition period, but changes in metabolic parameters due to a time effect were observed.