Live and processing performance of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with complexed zinc

In this study, the influence of complexed Zn (C-Zn) supplementation on live performance (BW, feed conversion, and mortality), skin quality (incidence of sores, scabs, and scratches; footpad dermatitis), processing yields, and meat quality of broiler chickens was assessed at 49 d of age. A total of 1,440 male broilers were assigned to 3 dietary treatments: 1) an inorganic Zn control diet (IC; 80 ppm of ZnSO4), 2) 40 ppm of ZnSO4 in the IC diet replaced with C-Zn (IC-C-Zn), and 3) an additional 40 ppm of C-Zn added on top of the IC diet (IC+C-Zn). Each treatment was provided in a 3-stage feeding program. Body weight and feed conversion were significantly (P < 0.05) improved with IC-C-Zn compared with the IC treatment. The IC+C-Zn treatment also improved feed conversion, but not final BW compared with the IC treatment. No differences in carcass and component yields were detected because of dietary treatments. The proportion of birds with skin lesions decreased (P < 0.05) from 42.7% (IC) to 9.6% (IC-C-Zn). In addition, deboned fillet and total breast yields were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the IC+C-Zn treatment than in the IC treatment. The incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with both C-Zn treatments. The breast fillet quality attributes measured did not show any differences (P > 0.05) due to dietary treatments. Inclusion level and source of dietary Zn had a significant influence on broiler live and processing performance in this study.