Kansas State University researchers are exploring alternatives for a mineral that is commonly used to help maintain newborn pig's health and growth, amid concerns that it may not be available in the future.

Jordan Gebhardt, an assistant professor in K-State's Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, says zinc plays an important role for a variety of functions in pigs.

"Pigs have a physiological requirement for zinc due to the functions it is involved with, including producing enzymes, immunity and nutrient metabolism," says Gebhardt, who presented the university's most recent research on the topic during K-State's Swine Day on Nov. 18. "In addition to the physiological requirements, higher levels of zinc in the form of zinc oxide are often fed for the first two to three weeks after the pig is weaned from its mother to reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea, and improve feed intake and growth performance."

Despite its benefits, zinc oxide is currently under scrutiny in the European Union, where control measures have been implemented due to a concern for its accumulation in the environment and potential effect on antimicrobial resistance. 

For producers, Gebhardt says a potential move to ban the use of zinc oxide means the industry should be looking for viable alternatives now to be prepared in case of future actions.

“There will not be a single change or strategy that can be incorporated to fill the void,” Gebhardt says. “We think there should be a combination of strategies, possibly including diet formulation, herd health and such management factors as weaning age, disinfecting facilities and a warm, draft-free environment.” 

K-State’s swine nutrition team continues to look at the best alternatives for farmers, he says. The team routinely posts its work online. 

“The use of zinc oxide provides significant benefits when used immediately post-weaning, so it is important that swine producers use this technology judiciously and be proactive in educating the public and policy makers about the importance of zinc oxide in swine diets on the health and well-being of swine,” Gebhardt notes. 

The research was presented during Swine Day’s Nov. 18 research presentations, which focused on applied swine nutrition. On Nov. 19, research presentations focus on feed safety and feed processing. 

Much of the past year’s research by K-State’s swine team and graduate students is available on the Swine Day Research Reports, now available online.

This year's K-State Swine Day was held entirely online and attracted more than 800 participants from 35 countries.

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