Understanding the multiple facets of zinc in pig production

摘要

The success of zinc oxide in piglet dietsis challenged by concerns about somedetrimental consequences for animal and human health, and the environment. Recent studies have shown that the use of zinc in pig production can show two facets in opposite directions.Its usage is versatile: generally as a nutritional source in all diets, but more specifically also as a gut flora regulator after weaning. This makes a clear difference between the nutritional and the pharmacological dosage. Zinc interacts with other dietary factors, for example with phytate, but the strongest antagonist may not be the expected one. Zinc oxide at high dose exerts an effect on piglet gut microbiota, but not always the expected one. What is sure is that the excess of zinc in pig feeds increases the risk of counter performance, of environmental accumulation, and of bacterial resistance.A potentiated form of zinc oxide, HiZox, is a cost effective, safe and sustainable solution for piglet gut health.