A Review on the Applications of Organic Trace Minerals in Pig Nutrition

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on recent informations regarding application of organic trace minerals in pig nutrition. Understanding the efficacy of organic trace minerals has been increasingly important over the past few years as a result of increased customer awareness of their benefits and the increase in the number of commercial products available to the consumer. Organically bound trace minerals of interests in pig nutrition specifically include iron, copper, zinc, chromium and selenium. Organic iron, chromium and selenium have been shown to improve reproductive efficiency as measured by increased farrowing rate, reduced mortality, larger litter size and increased litter weight at birth and at weaning. Additional benefits derived from organic chromium supplementation include improved carcass quality and increased nitrogen retention. Reviews presented reveal no consistent effect of organic copper and zinc on growth performance but could provide the needs of pigs at lower inclusion rate without compromising performance of animals while maintaining serum concentration, and substantially reducing fecal excretions of these elements.