Zinc Utilization in Growing and Pregnant West African Dwarf Goat: Determined inclusion levels of dietary zinc for optimal physiological activities in West African dwarf goat

SUMMARY Zinc is necessary for the activities of more than 100 enzymes associated with degradation and synthesis of biomolecules. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the specific levels (mg/kg DM) of dietary zinc (in the presence of its major antagonists, Fe and Cu), necessary for optimal metabolic efficiency required for optimal productivity in growth and reproduction. Three experiments were conducted to establish the minimal and optimal limits of dietary Zn requirements in WAd goat. Experiment 1 determined the average levels (mg/kg DM) of Zn, Fe and Cu that WAd goats are naturally exposed to in water, forages and food crops in humid Nigeria. Experiment 2 investigated the effects of inclusion levels of Zn in the diet of growing West African Dwarf Kids. Twenty-one WAD kids were randomly allotted into each of the seven dietary groups (A – G) with carrying levels of Zn (mg/Kg DM) of three animals per replicate, in a completely randomized design. After a 105 – day feeding trial, including a 2 – week metabolic experiment, the performances (dry matter intake, live weight gain, feed conversion ratio, rumen micro flora population, energy utilization, N – balance , Cu – retention,