Zinc and male reproduction in domestic animals: A review Roy Biswajit, Baghel R.P.S., Mohanty T.K., Mondal Goutam1 College of Veterinary Science and A.H., NDVSU, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India 1Sr. Scientist (AN) NDRI, Karnal-132 001 Online published on 24 April, 2014. Abstract Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element having a wide range of biological roles. It plays catalytic, structural and regulatory roles in more than 200 Zn-metalloenzymes identified in the biological systems. It plays an important role in polymeric organization of macromolecules like DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, cell division and stability of biological membranes through protection against oxidative injury. Physiologically, Zn is vital for growth and development, sexual maturation and reproduction, dark vision adaptation, olfactory and gustatory activity, insulin storage and release and for a variety of host immune defenses. Improvement in the sperm production and fertility has been achieved following the supplementary feeding of Zn. Crop residues, which form the bulk of rations in India, are deficient in Zn and indeficiency may lead to male reproductive failure in domestic livestock. Top Keywords Zinc, Male reproduction, Livestock. Top |