The composition of the diet can also influence bioavailability.
A major antagonist known to decrease
zinc availability is phytate that is prevalent in whole
grains (O’Dell and Savage, 1960). Addition of phytase,
an enzyme that degrades phytate, to broiler diets is a
common practice in Europe. Accurate values for the
bioavailability of different organic and inorganic zinc
sources are important to ensure adequate zinc supplementation
of broiler diets.
This study was carried out to determine the bioavailability
of an organic zinc source (Availa-Zn) compared