LAUSR

Zinc, copper, manganese and iron are all important trace minerals necessary for optimum growth and performance. The use of organic trace minerals (SQM) provides additional assurances that those minerals do not bind with an antagonist and are actually delivered in a form that allows them to be absorbed and utilized by the pig. This study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of organic trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese and iron) as a partial or complete replacement of inorganic minerals. Ninety-six weaned barrow pigs (60 lbs) were randomly assigned to one of three diets (Control = 100% inorganic; 50-SQM = 50% inorganic and 50% SQM; 100-SQM = 100% SQM trace minerals). Diets were formulated according to NRC specification. Body weights and feed consumption were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 39 and 60. Data were analyzed using GLM ANOVA NCSS, Utah, with mean differences determined using a protected F-test. There was no baby pig mortality experienced in this study. Pig weight gain compared to the Control was different (P < 0.01) by day 7 and carried through to the end of the study (60d: 59.2, 61.0 and 62.2 lbs, respectively). Feed consumption was initially different (P < 0.01) between the Control pigs and those receiving diets containing SQM trace minerals through the first 14 days. Feed efficiency was significantly improved (P < 0.05) by day 14 of the study between the 100% SQM supplemented diet and the Control diet. The pigs receiving any level of SQM trace minerals resulted in more efficient gains than those receiving the Control diet (60 d; 1.938, 1.887, and 1.855, respectively). Overall, this study indicates that the addition of all the supplemented trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese and iron) in the form of SQM provides a benefit in growth and efficiency during those first weeks after weaning.