In 2022, the use of zinc oxide at pharmacological levels (2,000 ppm or higher) was banned across the European Union. France preempted that with their own ban at the beginning of 2021. These actions forced swine producers to find different solutions for diarrhea and bacterial infections in swine herds.

Management practices can help reduce the risk of bacterial infection and modifying feed formulations can also mitigate the need for zinc oxide.

Digestive enzymes
Adding enzymes helps piglets with underdeveloped digestive systems better process nutrients. Luckily, producers can find an assortment of enzymes to supplement specific nutritional needs. Another option is to include high levels of phytases in the feed provided to post-weaned piglets. When zinc binds with phytic acid, piglets can digest the essential nutrient, potentially reducing the need for additional zinc supplementation.

Protein reduction
Protein contains amino acids necessary for piglet development, energy, and digestion. Diets that include high protein levels may boost gain yet can negatively impact the digestive system. Because protein can be difficult for piglets to digest, the undigested protein nourishes bacteria in the digestive system, thus increasing the risk of diarrhea. Over the past five years, research has shown that the risk of gastrointestinal issues in piglets can be lowered by reducing the amount of protein in their diet by three to four percentage points. Formulating feed with free functional amino acids can help you lower the protein without sacrificing the rate and level of growth.

We must use caution with free proteins as some of their many different amino acids are not essential and can cause an imbalance. Utilizing totally digestible synthetic amino acids can reduce the amount of dietary protein, thus keeping a lid on harmful bacterial growth and lowering infection risk. When amino acids are properly balanced, nitrogen excretion is minimized, which advances our operation’s sustainability.

Optimize the gut
Fiber is another factor that benefits digestion. Inert fiber that is non-digestible, insoluble, and has a low fermentation risk can be an alternative to zinc oxide. Balancing the microflora stifles the growth of harmful bacteria, helping keep the gut healthy and functioning properly. Additionally, producers have had success reducing piglet diarrhea by blending cereals (including oats, soybeans, corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum) with quality weaner feed.

Piglet digestive systems have not reached full maturity at weaning, and they cannot maintain an acceptable pH level for pepsins to work at acceptable capacity. To meet the need for the appropriate acidification, lowering protein amounts, swapping limestone in the feed with calcium-based organic acids, and including organic and inorganic acids or their salts are recommended. In addition to regulating the gut pH for better protein digestion, the acids also keep a lid on the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria.

If you are looking for alternatives to zinc oxide or need advice on optimal piglet nutrition, contact the team of experts at Sioux Nation Ag Center.