of sows (Nobles et al., 1990; Pettigrew
et al.,1992a,b; and NRC, 1998).
While these applications are accurate for the energy and amino acid
component of sow nutrient requirements, very little research has focused
on the trace mineral requirements of
hyperprolific sows. The trace mineral
recommendations can also vary considerably between industry and reference recommendations and many of
these recommendations are based on
supplementation and research is very
limited, current research findings are
proving to be interesting and indicate
that enhanced supplementation to
working boars with organic trace minerals improves semen concentration
and increases the number of doses of
extended semen per ejaculate.
Environmental pressures
Unfortunately, dealing with today’s
Figure 1. Effect of an organic trace mineral pak on sow productivity
Bioplex®/Sel-Plex® Control
12
11
Number weaned
10
9
8
7
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
8 9 > 9 All
Parity
The above chart shows the impact that an organic trace mineral pak (Bioplexes + Sel-Plex) can
have on sow productivity. Source: Fehse and Close, 2000.
breeding stock of higher genetic potential does not simply allow nutritionists to
continually supplement diets with higher
levels of minerals due to the known
interactions between the elements. In
addition, environmental pressures exist to reduce heavy metals in effluent,
yet higher recommended levels may
contribute unnecessarily to pollution.
Therefore, a more detailed approach to
diet formulations must be undertaken
to ensure the nutritional needs of the
modern sow and boar are met, allowing
them to express their genetic potential
while improving longevity and lifelong
performance.
The ultimate goal of nutritionists
and producers alike is to maximize the
number of healthy, top quality piglets
from the sow that can then be reared to
maximize meat production per sow per
year at minimal cost. (Close and Turnley,
2004). With this goal in mind, developing
feeding strategies for the hyperprolific
sow allows nutritionists to maintain a
focused approach tending away from
least cost formulation to formulations
focusing on optimal costs and return over
feed cost. During program development,
the following objectives should be front
and center:
1) To maintain or improve reproductive performance;
2) To maintain cost or reduce the cost
of production; and
3) To reduce nutrient emissions in
effluent to protect the environment.
research that is decades old.
For example, in 2005 Mateos et al
looked at the recommended trace mineral levels for lactating sows and found
a large difference between levels of zinc
for NRC requirements—50 mg/kg of
complete feed—to studies completed
by the University of Nebraska and South
Dakota State University with levels of
zinc at 80 to 150 mg/kg of complete
feed.
So the question could then be
asked, has trace mineral nutrition kept
up with genetic progress, and if not,
what are the consequences?
The role of trace minerals in sow and
boar production is extremely important.
In 1995, Mahan and Newton clearly
demonstrated that the draining effects
of enhanced reproduction result in the
depletion of sow body mineral reserves
after three parities. In working boars,
although the impact of trace mineral
Figure 2. The impact of feeding inorganic versus organic trace minerals on
sow performance
12. 5
12.0
The supplementation of organic trace minerals in this trial resulted in one extra
pig per litter when trace minerals were fed at typical industry levels compared
with the NRC recommended levels. Results suggest feeding inorganic trace
minerals in excess of NRC recommendations may be detrimental to sow
reproductive performance; however, when these same levels of trace minerals
are fed in the organic form, sow reproductive performance is not adversely
affected. (Peters, 2006)
Live pig shifter
11. 5
11.0
10. 5
10.0
9. 5
NRC
Industry
Industry + Co
Mineral level
