The Keys To Feeding Piglets Without Zinc Oxide
We interviewed Gonzalo González Mateos, Full-time Professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, an international reference in animal nutrition and a member of the “Sumando esfuerzos” (Joining efforts) working group, whose main objective is to support the swine sector and provide guidance in the face of the definitive withdrawal of zinc oxide.
What are the key points to consider in the post-weaning period to ensure a correct adaptation of the piglets, always prioritizing the control of diarrheal processes?
Increased physical activity (fighting for survival), thermoregulation, stress, and boosting immunity are important factors to consider because they represent a considerable energy expenditure for piglets in the post-weaning period, with the added problem of low feed intake in this problematic phase.
In this regard, the drastic and sudden separation from the mother and littermates, the change of environment, and the mixing of litters create a great deal of stress for the piglet, weakening its defenses and diminishing its ability to adapt. If we add to this the lack of regulation of body temperature, we find ourselves with weak animals, unable to defend themselves against more aggressive pen mates.
The expenses caused by stress and the mechanisms of immunity and defense are very important, as the piglet has to dedicate the few nutrients it consumes to “produce” acute phase proteins (APP) with higher proteins production in the liver and lower in muscle.
In relation to protein metabolism, it is important to remember that, during the post-weaning period, muscle growth is not a priority for the piglet.
What happens with feed intake in the post-weaning period?
The piglet eats little or nothing in the first hours after weaning, especially if weaning occurs at 21
days of age.
The piglet’s goal at this stage of its life is to ensure that the intake minus the energy and protein expenses necessary for physical activity, such as fighting, thermoregulation (cold), stress (lack of consumption), and immunity (health defense), is not negative. That is:
It is estimated that up to 25-30% of piglets weaned at 21 days of age do not eat anything during the first 20 to 24 hours post-weaning.
If the piglet does not eat, the production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes is reduced, as what is not needed ceases to be a priority.
The problem is not stress itself. What happens is that nature is wise and does not produ...
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