Real Time PCR Based Expression of Metallothionein and Evaluation of Zn Bioavailability in Chickens Fed Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine

Zinc (Zn) as a micro mineral is essential for growth, skeletal development, and immune competence in chickens (Hudson et al., 2004). Inorganic Zn salts, such as sulphate and oxide, are generally supplemented in diets to meet the Zn requirement of chickens (Cao et al., 2002). However, in the recent past Inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) have been replaced by organic trace minerals (OTMs) because of higher bioavailability and considerable reduction in cost of mineral supplementation. Several researchers have conducted different trails with both organic and inorganic Zn supplementation and they have observed increased availability in organic forms of minerals (Yan Waldroup, 2006 and Ao et al., 2011).