Application of Ordinary Zinc Oxid in Anti-diarrhea of Piglets

III. Challenges of diarrhea in weaned piglets and the clinical value of zinc oxide

Weaning is a major stressful event in the life of a piglet. Problems such as weak intestinal barrier function, insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes, and imbalance of flora often lead to post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), which seriously threatens the growth performance and breeding benefits of piglets. Since ordinary zinc oxide was found to have significant anti-diarrhea effects in the 1980s, it has become the “gold standard” for the global livestock industry to deal with PWD. Studies have shown that adding 2500-3000 mg/kg zinc oxide can reduce the diarrhea rate by 40%-60%, while increasing daily weight gain by 10%-15%. Its core value lies in quickly stabilizing the intestinal environment through multiple mechanisms, providing critical transitional protection for piglets.

IV. The mechanism of action of zinc oxide against diarrhea

1) Strengthening the intestinal physical barrier

Zinc oxide stimulates the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, significantly increases the ratio of intestinal villus height to crypt depth, improves the surface area for nutrient absorption, and simultaneously upregulates the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1), reduces intestinal mucosal permeability, and blocks the invasion of pathogens. It protects the intestinal mucosal barrier function, improves the antibacterial ability of piglets, and reduces diarrhea.

Fig 2 Effects of different doses of zinc oxide on intestinal morphology of piglets

Fig 3 Effects of different doses of zinc oxide on intestinal tight junction proteins in piglets

2) Regulating intestinal microbial balance

Zinc oxide produces hydrogen peroxide free radicals in the intestine, which is an important factor in the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide. High-dose zinc oxide directly inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella by releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), while promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

Fig 4 Effects of dietary zinc oxide on cecal microorganisms in piglets

3) High zinc promotes the growth of piglets

Weaning stress causes a 30% decrease in feed digestibility , and the digestibility of nutrients in weaned piglets further decreases when they are in a diarrheal state. Studies have shown that adding high doses of zinc oxide to the diet can increase the zinc level in the blood , further regulate the secretion of brain gut peptides and hunger hormones , and stimulate piglets to eat . At the same time , the increase in zinc content in the blood can effectively promote the synthesis and activation of digestive enzymes , improve the digestibility of nutrients , and increase the daily weight gain of piglets.

Fig 5 Effects of zinc oxide on growth performance of weaned piglets

IV. Scientific Application Plan and Precautions

1. Accurate dosage and usage cycle

Although it is stipulated that high zinc (1600-2500 mg/kg zinc oxide) feed can only be used in the " first two weeks after weaning " , many pig farms extend the use of high zinc feed for 2-8 weeks. At this time, some pig farms will experience " high zinc side effects " , which are typically manifested as thick and long hair and dull skin.

2. Choose zinc oxide with high stability to improve product effect

The bioavailability of zinc oxide produced by the wet process is significantly higher than that of zinc oxide produced by the direct process. Therefore, when selecting zinc oxide products, its production process should also be considered.

5. Industry Trends and Alternative Technology Outlook

Although the EU has limited the amount of zinc added to 150 mg/kg, domestic practice shows that completely replacing high zinc still faces technical bottlenecks. Current alternatives such as nano zinc oxide (300 mg/kg) and basic zinc chloride (1200 mg/kg) can reduce the dosage, but their cost is high, the process stability is insufficient, and the long-term safety still needs to be verified. Therefore, ordinary zinc oxide is still the best choice for small and medium-sized farms to balance cost and effect.

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Media Contact:
Elaine Xu
SUSTAR
Email: elaine@sustarfeed.com
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