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Interrelationships between Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Copper in Swine Feeding¹

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Abstract

Three experiments involving a total of 158 weanling pigs were conducted to study the effect of adding zinc (50 or 75 p.p.m.), iron (100 p.p.m.) and copper (125 p.p.m.) to control rations varying in calcium level (0.55, 1.05 and 1.31%). Combinations of zinc and iron, and zinc and copper were also used in two of the experiments.

Parakeratosis occurred at all three calcium levels; it was completely prevented by the addition of zinc. Iron was ineffective at the higher calcium levels in controlling parakeratosis. Copper had a significant effect on growth particularly at the higher calcium levels. Although less effective than zinc, copper reduced the incidence and severity of parakeratosis.

In two of the three experiments the addition of the trace elements resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in a highly significant manner by zinc. Copper had a positive but lesser effect than zinc on these levels.

Blood serum proteins, particularly the gamma globulin and albumin fractions, were significantly affected by the trace elements.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 2485.

² Departments of Animal Husbandry and Agricultural Chemistry.

³ The authors are indebted to American Cyanamid Co., Pearl River, New York; Merck & Co., Rahway, New Jersey; and to Chas. Pfizer & Co., Terre Haute, Indiana for the generous supply of certain ration components.