Mineral Influences

OHIO - A study into the dietary intake of organic and inorganic trace elements by gilts has shown some interesting results.
calendar icon 17 April 2008
clock icon 3 minute read

It seems that intake levels or the mineral source does not affect growth or feed performance up to 110kg liveweight. However, after breeding there are some effects. Sows fed organic trace minerals farrowed more (P < 0.05) total (12.2 vs. 11.3) and live pigs (11.3 vs. 10.6) compared to sows fed inorganic trace minerals.

Also when sows were fed a higher Calcium and Phosphorus levels tended to have fewer (P < 0.10) total pigs born for both trace mineral sources. Litter birth weights were heavier (P < 0.05) when sows were fed organic trace minerals, but individual piglet weights were similar. Nursing pig average daily growth tended to be greater (P < 0.10) when sows were fed organic trace minerals.

The study, undertaken by Peters and Mahan at Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, that other sow reproductive traits such as feed intake and rebreeding interval were not affected by trace mineral source or intake level. Daily mineral intake did increase by parity, but declined when trace mineral intakes were expressed on an amount/kg BW, and declined during later lactations.

Researchers said the results suggest that feeding sows organic trace minerals may improve sow reproductive performance, but there were minimal effects on other reproductive measurements.

To view an abstract of this reasearch click here

Reference:
Peters JC, Mahan DC. The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Columbus OH 43210-1095. J Anim Sci. 2008 Apr 11

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