Partial substitution, with their chelated complexes, of the inorganic zinc, copper and manganese in sow diets reduced the laminitic lesions in the claws and improved the morphometric characteristics of the hoof horn of sows from three Greek herds

Abstract

BackgroundHoof lesions in sows have been associated with lameness and poor hoof horn quality. The mechanical strength and quality of hoof horn is determined by the density and diameter of horn tubules, which were recently associated with the severity of lesions on the hoof wall of sows. Histologic changes that have previously been described in cases of bovine laminitis, have also been observed in the dermis and epidermis of the sows’ claws. Trace elements, particularly zinc, copper and manganese, occupy important roles as enzyme catalysts in the process of keratin synthesis which determines the quality and the integrity of the hoof epidermis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with chelated zinc, copper and manganese, partially substituting their inorganic form, on sow claw health and hoof horn quality assessed by macroscopic, histologic and morphometric examination.ResultsClinically, the total claw lesion score was significantly lower in claws of sows which received the “organic” diet compared to those of sows on the “inorganic” diet. Histologically, lamellar hyperplasia was the most frequently recorded change in the epidermis of the sows’ claws regardless of the diet’s mineral source. The claws of the sows which received the organic diet were more likely to have none or less histologic changes than at least one or more, respectively, compared to those of the sows on the “inorganic” diet. Morphometrically, the density and vertical and horizontal diameters of the horn tubules was significantly higher and smaller, respectively, in the hoof horn of sows which received the “organic” compared to those which received the “inorganic” source diet.ConclusionsPartial substitution of the inorganic zinc, copper and manganese in sows’ diet with their chelated complexes, provided a comparative advantage against a conventional, inorganic mineral source diet, at least under the conditions examined in the current study, in terms of macroscopic, histologic and morphometric criteria, characterizing the health and horn quality status of sows’ hooves.

Effects of supplementing organic microminerals and methionine during the rearing phase of replacement gilts on lameness, growth, and body composition1

“…The dewclaws, white line, and hoof wall crack are lesions related to the horn properties (Varagka et al, 2016). These lesions were also grouped as Olsson et al (2016) to be performed in "in vivo."…”

“…Similarly, Quinn et al (2015) found that additional trace minerals (TM) combined with feed restriction improved locomotor ability and reduced joint lesions. Additional Cu, Mn, and Zn have also shown improvements in claw health with lower horn tubules diameter, higher horn density, and reduced laminitic changes (Lisgara et al, 2016;Varagka et al, 2016).…”

Biodisponibilidad de minerales que lados y no que lados: una revisión sistemática

“…Varagka et al 19 , también investigaron los efectos de la suplementación de Mn, Zn y Cu, pero en sustitución parcial del MNQ por MQ. Esta alteración resultó en una reducción significativa en la puntuación total de lesiones en las garras, cambios indicativos de laminitis y mejor calidad de los cascos.…”

Effects of supplementing organic microminerals and methionine with or without limiting growth during the rearing phase of replacement gilts on lameness, growth, and body composition1

“…Overall, only few ( n = 5) lesions were classified as severe, and final analysis was for complete prevalence independent of severity. The toe dewclaw, white line, and hoof wall crack are lesions associated with horn properties and influenced after supplementing organic TM ( Varagka et al, 2016 ). Those lesions were also grouped as hoof lesions, including all females that had at least one of the three lesions.…”

“…Similarly, Frantz et al (2008) reported effects of Cu–Mn and combined Met and threonine to reduce OC scores. TM, acknowledged as being necessary in the keratinization and horn production process ( van Riet et al, 2013 ), improve claw health ( Varagka et al, 2016 ). Nonetheless, extended research supports that other factors such as genotype, feed composition, average daily gain (ADG), housing conditions, and mechanical stress interact and influence OC, claw health, and therefore lameness ( Nakano and Aherne 1988 ; Heinonen et al, 2013 ; Pluym et al, 2013 ; de Koning et al ., 2014a, 2014b ; Quinn et al, 2015 ; Le et al, 2016 ).…”