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

SUMMARY 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) due to dietary treatments. Inclusion level and source of dietary Zn had a significant influence on broiler live and processing performance in this study.