Publikationsdatenbank

Intestinal health and zinc oxide use in weaning piglets - a data analysis from twenty farms in North Rhine-Westphalia (2025)

Art

Poster

Autoren

Hellmich, Justinus (WE 4)

Zentek, Jürgen (WE 4)

Kongress

29th Congress of the European Society of Veterinary & Comparative Nutrition ESVCN

Leipzig, 04. – 06.09.2025

Quelle

Proceedings of the 29th Congress of the European Society of Veterinary & Comparative Nutrition ESVCN : 4th – 6th September 2025 Leipzig, Germany — Wilkens MR, Vervuert I, Heilmann R, Dobenecker B, Rackwitz R (eds.) (Hrsg.)

Leipzig: Müller Buchbinderei GmbH, 2025. LBH: Leipziger Blaue Hefte — S. 79

Sprache

Englisch

Kontakt

Institut für Tierernährung

Königin-Luise-Str. 49
14195 Berlin
+49 30 838 52256
tierernaehrung@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

Introduction: The gastrointestinal health of piglets during the weaning phase is a key determinant of their overall performance and welfare. This study aimed to analyze the impact of farm management, feeding practices, and ZnO use on intestinal health indicators in weaning piglets.
Materials and Methods: Data from 20 pig production farms in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, were collected and analyzed. Farm characteristics, management practices, feeding regimes, and medication records were assessed. Fecal samples from weaning piglets were analyzed for microbial composition (not reported here), while performance indicators such as growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and diarrhea incidence were recorded. Statistical methods were used to compare farms using pharmacological doses of ZnO (2500 ppm) with those that have been working without addition of it.
Results: The findings indicate that animal health varied depending on housing conditions, management, and feeding practices. Significant differences were observed between farms in terms of piglet health, particularly regarding the incidence of diarrheal diseases. The use of zinc oxide was linked to lower diarrhoea rates. Many farms employed alternatives to high-dose zinc oxide in feed, primarily by adjusting protein and amino acid levels in the diets of weaned piglets. Additionally, dietary fibre and feed additives, particularly probiotic microorganisms and organic acids, were regularly incorporated. Biosecurity management varied considerably among farms. The role of the intestinal microbiota was further examined in a related study.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of holistic farm management and nutrition strategies in maintaining intestinal health in weaning piglets without ZnO. Targeted feeding approaches and enhanced biosecurity measures can effectively mitigate the risks associated with post-weaning diarrhea.