The optimal dietary Zn requirement in meat ducks from 22 to 42 days of age: effects on growth performance, tibial characteristics, and feather follicle development

Poultry Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Zhijun Lu, Qingji Cao, Kaixuan Zhu, Shicai Qu, Yue Chang, Xuan Ding, Jiaqi LIU, Guangjie Sun, Xinting Jiang, Huaqi Zhang, Yongwen Zhu
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2026.106425
Cited by: 0
References: 55

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the optimal dietary zinc ( Zn ) requirement for meat ducks during days ( d ) 22-42. A total of 336 ducks were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 mg/kg Zn in the form of ZnSO 4 ·7H 2 O. Results showed that final body weight ( FBW ), average daily gain ( ADG ), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased linearly with increasing dietary Zn levels ( P

Fields of Study & Subjects

Animal Nutrition and Physiology Trace Elements in Health Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Publication details

Journal / source
Poultry Science
Volume
105
Issue
3
Pages
106425–106425
Publication date
13 January 2026
Language
EN