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Effect of Level of Zinc in High Calcium Diets on Pigs from Weaning through One Reproductive Cycle and on Subsequent Growth of their Offspring¹

Cornell University,^,3 Ithaca, New York

Abstract

Gilts were fed, from weaning through one gestation and lactation period, a high-Ca (1.4%) diet with or without supplemental Zn (85 ppm vs. 35 ppm Zn). Offspring from these gilts were fed these same diets or a low-Ca diet (0.66%) with or without supplemental Zn for 92 days after weaning at 28 days of age.

Gilts fed the Zn-supplemented diet gained weight significantly (P<.05) faster than those fed the basal diet during a 78-day period. There were no treatment differences during the preceding 40-day period. No parakeratosis was observed in either group. Gilts in each group averaged 276 lb. in weight shortly after breeding at approximately 10 months of age. All gilts conceived at first or second service. Average number of pigs per litter, average individual pig birth weight, number of pigs per litter and average pig weight at 28 days were similar for both groups. Milk Zn concentration was not significantly different for the two groups during the fourth week of lactation (36 vs. 43 ppm on a dry matter basis).

High-Ca pigs from high-Zn gilts had significantly higher average daily post-weaning gain than those from low-Zn sows, regardless of post-weaning Zn level. Level of Zn in the post-weaning diet had no effect on performance. The 0,66% level of Ca resulted in significantly (P<.01) higher average daily gain than the 1.4% level during the post-weaning period. No parakeratosis was observed. It is postulated that the superior post-weaning performance of pigs from high-Zn gilts reflects a difference in the ability of the pig to utilize Zn from dietary sources, compared to that from body stores, to meet metabolic requirements for maximum growth.

¹ We gratefully acknowledge L. D. Van Vleck for assistance with the statistical treatment of the data, F. E. Lovelace for calcium analyses, V. Lazar for zinc analyses, and American Cyanamid Co., Princeton, New Jersey; Nopco Chemical Co., Newark, New Jersey; Merck and Co., Rahway, New Jersey; and Dawe's Labs., Chicago, Illinois, for supplying some of the feed ingredients.

² Present address: Box 3027, Willson, North Carolina.

³ Department of Animal Husbandry.

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