The Effects of Dietary Zinc Concentration and Source on Yearling Bull Growth and Fertility

Abstract Yearling Angus bulls (n = 325) were allotted by BW into six pens of equal size. One of three dietary treatments consisting of 1) dietary Zn at 40 ppm, all supplied by zinc sulfate (ZnS); 2) dietary Zn at 40 ppm with 33.3% supplied by zinc proteinate and 66.6% supplied by ZnS (ZnPS); or 3) dietary Zn at 60 ppm, all supplied by ZnS (ZnHi) was delivered to two pen replicates. Initial and final liver biopsies were collected and analyzed for Zn concentration. Scrotal circumference and BW measures were collected at the start and conclusion of the trial. Semen from bulls intended for public sale (n = 167) was collected and evaluated for motility and morphological abnormalities. Bulls with percent normal sperm cell counts (CD). Following 126 d of treatment, bulls on the ZnHi treatment had a greater (P=0.06) increase in liver Zn concentration than bulls on the ZnS treatment, but not bulls on the ZnPS treatment (P=0.18) (‒9.8, 1.2, and 20.6 ppm for ZnS, ZnPS, and Zn Hi, respectively). No differences in scrotal circumference or ADG were detected. Bulls receiving ZnPS had higher (P