430 Awardee Talk: Recent Breakthroughs in Mineral Nutrition Research That Are Influencing Commercial Swine Diet Formulation

Abstract

Abstract Mineral nutrition research continues to be of great importance to swine nutritionists because of the direct impact on swine performance and health, and consequently producer profitability. The emphasis of recent mineral research has often been focused on trying to overcome areas of concern in commercial production as opposed to the foundational work that historically was designed to establish basal nutrient requirements. Increased prevalence of post-wean diarrhea has stimulated a renewed interest in adding pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO in nursery diets. However, environmental and regulatory concerns are creating the need to find ZnO alternatives that will yield similar growth promotional benefits while also reducing diarrhea. Additionally, formulating nursery diets with an ABC-4 formulation concept considers the influence of dietary mineral concentrations and could allow for less dependence on high ZnO inclusion in nursery pig diets. Interest in identifying the correct Ca and P inclusion rate and relationship that supports optimum growth, feed efficiency, and bone mineralization continues to be of high importance, especially with the increased observation of lameness in commercial barns. Properly adjusting dietary P with the use of phytase is increasing in complexity as the number of new phytase sources enter the market. Research comparing different sources of minerals such as Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Fe continues to be conducted to identify the combination of source and inclusion rate that yields the greatest return for the producer. The trend for mineral research conducted in commercial barns with pigs exposed to a wide range of stressors will continue in the future. Additionally, an enhanced focus on research conducted with the goal of improving sustainability through life-cycle assessment analysis will drive future mineral research interests. While mineral-focused research has a long history in swine nutrition, the evolution of commercial production needs and consumer demands means that there will be heightened interest in studies that demonstrate optimum mineral feeding strategies in the future.