PSI-15 Impact of Dietary Zinc Source on Post-Weaning Performance and Livability

Abstract Zinc (Zn) is a key trace element involved in protein synthesis and immune development, which makes it a pivotal nutrient for the newly weaned pig. The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary Zn source on pig performance and livability in a commercial nursery setting. A total of 1,296 weaned pigs [5.67 ± 0.15 kg initial body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of Zn Sulfate (ZSF), Zn amino acid complex (AVL), or glycinate-bound Zn (GMT), all supplying 120 ppm of Zn to the diets and fed in a three-phase (Ph) feeding system [Ph1: d 0-14; Ph2: d 14-28; Ph3: d 28-42]. Pigs had ad libitum access to pelleted feed and water throughout the study. Performance and feed intake were measured on d 14, 28, and 42 of the study. All pigs removed from test were recorded and weighed. During the first week of the study, there was an outbreak of Escherichia coli, and pigs were all administered water-soluble Zn via water lines and potato starch in pans. Pigs fed GMT had decreased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI, kg/d) during Phase 1 (0.082, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.628, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.526, SEM = 0.005) compared with AVL [Phase 1 (0.097, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.651, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.552, SEM = 0.005)], and ZSF [Phase 1 (0.107, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.640, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.547, SEM = 0.005)]. Moreover, pigs fed GMT had greater (P < 0.05, SEM = 0.710) overall mortality (4.60%) compared with AVL (1.89%) and ZSF (2.53%). Our results indicate that there are differences in feed intake and mortality when post-weaning pigs are fed different sources of Zn, and further work is needed in other health status flows.