Trace minerals support longevity in sows


But, is claw health just the tip of the iceberg? By Dr. Bastian Hildebrand and Oliver Caiger-Smith, Biochem mbH


Avoiding lameness problems means increased fertility, increased milk production, improved immunity and increased life expectancy. The question to ask is how can this be achieved? Trace minerals can play a significant role in achieving this goal. One crucial factor for the longevity of sows is the integrity of


claws. About 10 - 20% of all culled sows are lost due to lameness problems. But this is often only the tip of the iceberg. In addition to high costs for replacement, damage to the claws (Figure 1) reduces the overall performance of the herd. Examples of this damage are; a higher number of crushed piglets, impaired fertility and higher return- to-heat rate, as well as higher veterinary costs. Besides housing, genetics, feed formulation and other nutritional factors, adequate supply with certain trace elements is known to have an effect on claw health. Zinc, manganese and copper can all help. But is claw health just the tip of the iceberg?


Higher performance means higher demand It is well accepted that trace minerals are required for the normal development and functioning of the body. They are essential for several parameters of metabolism, growth, reproduction and immunity. However, compared with the requirements for energy or protein, those for trace minerals are not as well defined. Most estimates are based on the minimum required trace mineral levels to avoid a deficiency. They are not based at levels which enhance fertility and milk production, or to improve parameters like immune status and claw health, for instance. Most of the studies to establish trace mineral requirements are from the last century and may not be appropriate to modern sow genotypes with their considerably higher productivity. The demand for trace elements increases considerably in the


last third of gestation and during lactation when high amounts are needed for intrauterine growth and milk production. If the diet does not provide adequate amounts of trace elements, body reserves of the sows are used. Already after third parity the trace mineral status


Figure 1: Prevalent damages of claws in breeding sows: Cracks in pad zone (A), Proliferation in pads (B), Cracks in wall horn (C)


PAGE 32 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 FEED COMPOUNDER


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