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Modern sows encounter several challenges, including low appetite, stress, and infections, which lead to nutritional imbalances and decreased reproductive performance. This results in a higher likelihood of low-weight piglets, that face risks related to survival and growth. To counter these issues, optimal trace mineral supplementation during gestation and lactation is vital, as these micronutrients support reproductive health and immune function. While traditional inorganic trace minerals are common, emerging alternatives like hydroxychlorides and organic trace minerals may enhance bioavailability and reduce negative feed interactions, although their effectiveness in replacing traditional sources requires further research. This study aimed to assess the effects of trace mineral supplementation during gestation and lactation on the health and performance of sows and their piglets.
Methods: Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, average parity = 3.9) were divided into two groups. One group received a standard diet enriched with inorganic trace minerals (ITM), while the other was supplemented with a mix of hydroxychloride and organic trace minerals (HOTM) from the start of gestation to day 21 of lactation.
Results: Sows given HOTM had higher litter and individual piglet birth weights compared to those on ITM. Although the difference wasn’t statistically significant, HOTM supplementation showed a trend towards increasing colostrum lactose. Moreover, HOTM significantly increased the concentrations of manganese and selenium in the colostrum, milk, and serum of both sows and piglets, while ITM led to higher zinc levels in sow serum. HOTM also boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPX and SOD) in sows and piglets, alongside increasing key immune-related markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10). Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) were also elevated at various stages of the trial.
Conclusion: Overall, hydroxychloride and organic trace minerals improved piglet growth and the health of sows, likely through its positive effects on redox balance and immune function.
Wang, S. Q., Peng, Z., Sun, H., Han, Y. M., Zhang, B., Pineda, L., Boerboom, G., Sun, L. H., Liu, Y., & Deng, Z. C. (2024). Evaluating the Impact of an Organic Trace Mineral mix on the Redox Homeostasis, Immunity, and Performance of Sows and their Offspring. Biological trace element research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-024-04300-7