Influence of Zn supplementation (organic and inorganic) on blood testosterone profile of Murrah buffalo bulls

Abstract

The study was designed to find out the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation (organic and inorganic) on blood testosterone profile of the Murrah buffalo bulls. The experiment was conducted over five month’s periods (July to November). Twelve Murrah bulls (4 in each group) were randomly allotted to three groups with four in each group. Control group (CONT) did not receive any supplementation, whereas, ING group receive 40 ppm Zn as ZnSO4 (inorganic Zn) and ORG group receive 40 ppm Zn as Zn-propionate (Organic Zn). Other than Zn supplementation, the diets were same for all the bulls. Blood testosterone level was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by Zn supplementation. Although, higher blood plasma testosterone level (ng/mL) were observed in the Zn supplemented groups (1.08±0.10 in ING and 1.02±0.08 in ORG) over control group (0.93±0.09). No clear pattern of monthly hormonal variation was observed. The overall results suggest that 40 ppm dietary (organic and inorganic) Zn supplementation resulted in non-significant change in blood testosterone profile.