THE ZnO EUROPEAN CONTEXT
Over the last decades, medicated zinc oxide played a crucial role in pig production to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets. However, stricter regulation in Europe and around the world is pushing the feed additive industry to step up and find solutions to replace pharmaceutical levels of ZnO.The ban of zinc oxide in the European Union is restricted to medicated feeds which are prescribed by veterinarians. This does not apply to the nutritional usage of zinc oxide which remains the dominant source of zinc utilised by the feed industry.
Replacing medicated ZnO requires to clearly understand the mode of action of this molecule that supported the industry over the years. An alternative cannot be designed without including zinc.
ZINCOSUPP is the most ambitious research program on ZnO ever launched.
This research program is named ZincoSupp, which refers to:
- SUPPression of pharmacological ZnO
- SUPPlementation of the right zinc oxide source and at the right dosage.
The main goal of this large-scale R&D programme is to elucidate the mechanism of action of high levels ZnO in preventing diarrhea in piglets and offer solutions to the upcoming regulatory challenge in the EU by highlighting benefits of zinc from a potentiated source HiZox® on gut morphology, function and health versus other zinc sources available.
The project brings together several well recognized Universities from Europe. Under the guidance of reputed scientists, these universities will drive several PhD thesis projects for Animine.
In addition, two complementary PhD thesis projects will further investigate the role of zinc sources on the utilization of nutrients and manure management:
- The research program led by the University of Hohenheim and with contribution from the University of Georgia (USA) will look at the interactions of zinc sources with phytases in broiler chickens.
- Another project hosted at INRAe will evaluate the impact of trace minerals, including zinc, on biogas in pig production.
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Despite the EU deadline on June 2022, the transition phase has started also beyond European boarders. Countries such as China, Korea, Canada have implemented reduction plans already.
The 6 reasons why reducing ZnO dose is important
The use of constant and high dose of ZnO is known to have adverse conditions. Hereafter the 6 reasons why reducing its usage.1. Contamination by heavy metals & impurities
Impurities in commercial zinc oxide are hazardous for animal and human health when product quality is not strictly controlled.
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2. Nutritional interactions
- Impaired iron status of weaned piglets.
- Negative effect on phytase activity.
- Antagonistic effect with feed acidifiers.
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3. Zinc toxicity
High doses of zinc oxide may affect piglet health if used for a long period.
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4. Reduced palatability
Palatability is key in stimulating the piglets appetite. High levels of zinc oxide may degrade feed intake.
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5. Environmental concerns
High levels of zinc oxide supplementation after weaning increases by almost 30 percent the total quantity of zinc excreted in the pig’s growing life.
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Zinc fate in animal husbandry systems
6. Zinc and microbial resistance
Intensive usage of zinc in animal diets used in combination with antibiotics favor the development of bacterial resistance.
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