Effect of high levels of suplemental zinc on piglets performance and mortality

Abstract

The present study aim was to evaluate high levels of Zn from ZnO in the weaning diets of piglets. It were compared two different levels of zinc (0 and 3,000 ppm) from 0 to 21 days after weaning, three different levels (0, 1,500 and 3,000 ppm) from 22 to 42 days after weaning, and four level combinations 0/0, 3,000/0, 3,000/1,500 and 3,000/3,000 ppm. One hundred and eighty six crossbred (D x LW) weaned piglets (28±2 days of age) were used. The supplementation with 3,000 ppm Zn up to 21 days of experiment increased the average daily gain (GPMD, P<0.03), the average daily consumption (CRMD, P<0.02) the average body weights at 21 days (PM21) (P<0.04) but decreased the diarrhea (P<0.001) and mortality rates. Furthermore, during the total period all treatments supplemented with Zn resulted in increased GPMD and the average body weights (PM42) (P<0.03). The Zn supplementation in both experimental phases increased the CRMD and avoided the mortality rate due to edema disease. In conclusion, diet supplementation with levels up to 3,000 ppm of Zn, during 42 days post-weaning, improve the performance, decrease diarrhea and mortality rates due to edema disease in piglets. However, in the period from 22 to 42 days post-weaning, signs of toxicity occur at the 3,000 ppm level of supplemental Zn.