Supplementation of weaner diets with high levels of zinc
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2002
Conference Title
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society of Australia
Keywords
pigs, zinc, organic
Disciplines
Meat Science
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhoea is a major problem of the pig industry. In some instances, piglets will die but in most cases there is a reduction in efficiency of digestion and the absorption of nutrients, and consequently an increase in the time taken to reach market weight. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has traditionally been added to pig weaner diets at 0.125 kg ZnO/t for the prevention of Zn deficiency, but more recently the beneficial effects of adding high levels of ZnO (e.g. 3 kg/t) has been reported (Holm, 1990). This is now a common practice and is considered an inexpensive alternative to the use of antibiotics for the control of post-weaning diarrhoea. However, the increased use of piggery waste for composting has identified high concentration of Zn in faecal material as a problem. Organically bound or bioplexed Zn (BioplexTMZn) has a higher bioavailability than inorganic Zn, and therefore could overcome the problems associated with the use of ZnO provided pig performance is not compromised.
Recommended Citation
Mullan, B P,
Wilson, R H,
McCullough, S M,
Nicholls, R R,
and
Naylor, A.
(2002), Supplementation of weaner diets with high levels of zinc, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society of Australia, pp.S248.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/conf_papers/220
