Abstract:

Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – high dietary levels of copper and zinc for young pigs, and phytase

Jay Y. Jacela, DVM, PhD; Joel M. DeRouchey, PhD; Mike D. Tokach, PhD; Robert D. Goodband, PhD; Jim L. Nelssen, PhD; David G. Renter, DVM, PhD; Steve S. Dritz, DVM, PhD

Complete article is available online.

PDF version is available online.

This is the fourth in a series of peer-reviewed practice tip articles, each including two or three fact sheets on feed additives for swine.

Copper and zinc are classified as trace minerals because they are required by pigs at relatively low levels for normal growth. When added at high dietary levels, copper (100 to 250 ppm) and zinc (2000 to 3000 ppm) can increase the growth performance of young pigs. The mechanisms by which high levels of copper and zinc improve growth rate in pigs is still unclear.

Phytase is an enzyme that increases availability of phosphorus in pig diets. Phytase lowers the amount of supplemental phosphorus required in the diet. Because of improved dietary phosphorus utilization, less phosphorus is excreted in the manure. Phytase is susceptible to degradation during extended storage periods.

Keywords: diet, additive, copper, zinc, phytase, phosphorus, minerals, growth performance, young pigs


RIS citationCite as: Jacela JY, DeRouchey JM, Tokach MD, et al. Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – high dietary levels of copper and zinc for young pigs, and phytase. J Swine Health Prod 2010;18(2):87-91.

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