Dietary Zinc Complexes and Vitamin E for Reducing Cellulitis Incidence in Broilers

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of supplementing amino acid complexed zinc, vitamin E, or a combination of the two on the occurrence of cellulites (infectious process or IP) in broilers. A skin scratch model was used to create a measurable incidence of cellulites in experimental birds for subsequent lesion level and severity measurements. This experiment revealed an overall reduction in cellulites when a combination of complexed zinc and vitamin E was fed to broilers. However, supplementing zinc or vitamin E alone was not as effective. These results underscore the potential for reducing the level and severity of cellulitis by dietary manipulation.