Effects of low-dose organic trace minerals on performance, mineral status, and fecal mineral excretion of sows

Objective: To investigate the effects of low-dose trace mineral proteinates on reproductive performance, mineral status, milk immunoglobulin contents and fecal mineral excretion of sows. Methods: Eighty crossbred sows (Landrace × Large White) were randomly allocated to two groups in a 135-day trail, from breeding through 21 d postpartum. The two treatments were ITM: a basal diet + inorganic iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) at 90, 15, 25 and 90 mg/kg, respectively and OTM: a basal diet + proteinates of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn at 72, 12, 20 and 72 mg/kg, respectively. Results: Compared with ITM, OTM significantly increased (p 1 kg, the litter weaning weight, and milk Fe, Cu contents. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed on sow hair mineral contents or IgM, IgG and IgA contents in colostrum and milk. In comparsion to ITM, OTM decreased fecal Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn contents of gestating sows (p 1 kg, the litter weaning weight and certain milk mineral concentrations while reducing fecal mineral excretion.