Partial substitution of organic trace minerals in sow diets over multiple parities and the impact on claw health, productivity, and longevity.
Supplementing sow diets with organic trace minerals may reduce lactation weight loss and the odds of claw lesions, but it does not appear to impact longevity or lameness significantly.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the ghk-cu corpusSummary and findings
This study examined the impact of partially substituting inorganic zinc, copper, and manganese with organic forms in diets fed to gestating and lactating sows. A total of 344 sows and gilts were randomized to receive either the organic or inorganic mineral diets. Treated sows showed decreased lactation weight loss and odds of dew claw lesions compared to controls.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the impact of partial substitution of inorganic zinc, copper and manganese with their organic form in diets fed to gestating and lactating sows across multiple parities. Breed eligible gilts (n = 116) and sows entering farrowing (n = 228) were randomized to receive a diet where organic chelated forms of zinc, copper, and manganese were partially substituted for their inorganic forms (gilts, n = 58; sows = 111), or their diet only contained the inorganic forms of these minerals (gilts, n = 58; sows = 117). Sows were housed in large dynamic groups and fed by electronic sow feeding stations. The animals were maintained on these diets until they were removed from the herd or the end of the study period. Claw health, motion scores, weight loss during lactation, feed intake, and productivity were recorded for each parity. Longevity was assessed from the start of the study period to six months after the study diets were discontinued. Lactation weight loss (P = 0.02) and the odds of a dew claw lesion (P = 0.03) were decreased in treated sows. Longevity (P = 0.41) and lameness (P = 0.97) were not affected by treatment. There was a trend for total lesion to be decreased in treated sows (P = 0.06) whereas the odds of individual claw lesion scores were not different for supplemented sows (P > 0.05). Supplementation with organic sources of trace minerals, particularly zinc, manganese and copper, may improve lactation feed efficiency and play a role in improving claw health.
Background
This study addresses the impact of organic versus inorganic trace minerals on sow health and productivity, which is crucial for optimizing swine management practices. Prior research has indicated potential benefits of organic minerals in animal diets, but comprehensive data on their effects across multiple parities is limited. Understanding these effects can inform dietary strategies to enhance sow welfare and productivity.
Methods
The study involved 344 breed-eligible gilts and sows randomized into two groups: one receiving organic chelated minerals and the other receiving inorganic forms. The sows were housed in dynamic groups and fed via electronic feeding stations. Key outcomes measured included claw health, motion scores, weight loss during lactation, feed intake, and overall productivity over multiple parities.
Results
Lactation weight loss was significantly reduced in treated sows (P = 0.02). The odds of developing a dew claw lesion were also significantly lower in the treatment group (P = 0.03). However, treatment did not significantly affect longevity (P = 0.41) or lameness (P = 0.97). A trend towards fewer total lesions was observed (P = 0.06), but individual claw lesion scores did not differ significantly (P > 0.05).
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while organic trace minerals may improve certain aspects of claw health and lactation efficiency, the clinical significance of these results is limited, particularly given the lack of impact on longevity and lameness. The small sample size and potential confounding factors, such as housing conditions and feeding methods, may affect the reliability of these conclusions. Further research is needed to clarify these effects and their implications for sow management.
Key findings
- Lactation weight loss decreased with treatment (P = 0.02).
- Odds of a dew claw lesion decreased in treated sows (P = 0.03).
- Longevity was not affected by treatment (P = 0.41).
- Lameness was not affected by treatment (P = 0.97).
- Trend for total lesions to be decreased in treated sows (P = 0.06).
- Odds of individual claw lesion scores were not different for supplemented sows (P > 0.05).
Limitations
- small n=344 across multiple parities
- no significant effects on longevity or lameness
- trend for total lesions not statistically significant
- single-site study may limit generalizability