EFFECT OF HIGH-LEVELS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ZINC ON PIGLETS PERFORMANCE ANDMORTALITY

The present study aim was to evaluate high levels of Zn from ZnO in th e weaning diets of piglets. It were compared two different levels of z inc (0 and 3,000 ppm) from 0 to 21 days after weaning, three different levels(0, 1,500 and 3,000 ppm) from 22 to 42 days after weaning, and four level combinations 0/0, 3,000/0, 3,000/1,500 and 3,000/3,000 ppm. One hundred and eighty six crossbred (D x LW) weaned piglets (28 +/- 2 days of age) were used. The supplementation with 3,000 ppm Zn up to 21 days of experiment increased the average daily gain (GPMD, P < 0.03 ), the average daily consumption (CRMD, P < 0.02) the average body wei ghts at 21 days (PM21) (P < 0.04) but decreased the diarrhea (P < 0.00 1) and mortality rates. Furthermore, during the total period all treat ments supplemented with Zn resulted in increased GPMD and the average body weights (PM42) (P < 0.03). The Zn supplementation in both experim ental phases increased the CRMD and avoided the mortality rate due to edema disease. In conclusion, diet supplementation with levels up to 3 ,000 ppm of Zn, during 42 days post-weaning, improve the performance, decrease diarrhea and mortality rates due to edema disease in piglets. However, in the period from 22 to 42 days post-weaning, signs of toxi city occur at the 3,000 ppm level of supplemental Zn.