Effect of Zinc Source and Level on Growth Performance and Zinc Status of Weaned Piglets

摘要

Diarrhea is common in weaned piglets. Feed supplementation with Zn is one strategy for preventing such disturbances. A total ban on the use of therapeutic doses of Zn will be introduced from June, 2022 in the European Union; hence, the evaluation of different lower doses and forms of this element is very important and challenging. This paper shows the effects of using different forms of Zn preparations (i.e., zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, and zinc oxide nanoparticles) on weaner rearing results and Zn balance. The obtained results indicate that low levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles can express a similar antidiarrheal action as high therapeutic doses of zinc oxide. In this way, the Zn dose concentration in feed supplements for pigs can be decreased. The application of nanoparticles can lead to measurable benefits, including a higher growth rate and better feed use.