The effect of reduced levels of inorganic and organic trace mineral supplementation on performance, carcass traits, and fecal excretion of grow-finish swine

An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of reduced levels of inorganic and organic trace mineral supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and mineral excretion of grow-finish swine. Crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to the following treatments of reduced Cu, Fe, and Zn supplementation: TRT (1) 25% inorganic, TRT (2) 25% organic, TRT (3) 10% inorganic, and TRT (4) 10% organic. In general, pigs fed reduced levels of trace minerals excreted less Cu and Zn. The same can be said for pigs fed organic trace minerals. Organic trace minerals can be supplemented in place of inorganic forms to reduce fecal mineral concentrations. Both organic and inorganic trace minerals can be fed at reduced levels to decrease fecal trace mineral concentrations without adversely affecting growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics. However, under increased levels of stress, mineral deficiency symptoms may occur more frequently in pigs fed reduced levels of trace minerals.