Towards Zero Zinc Oxide: Feeding Strategies to Manage Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) at pharmacological doses is extensively employed in the pig industry as an effective tool to manage post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition that causes huge economic losses because of its impact on the most pivotal phase of a piglet’s production cycle. In a multifactorial way, ZnO exerts a variety of positive effects along the entire gastrointestinal tract by targeting intestinal architecture, digestive secretions, antioxidant systems, and immune cells. ZnO also has a moderate antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli F4 (K88), the main causative agent of PWD. However, the environmental impact of ZnO and new emerging threats are posing serious questions to the sustainability of its extensive utilization. To work towards a future free from pharmacological ZnO, novel nutritional approaches are necessary, and many strategies have been investigated. This review article provides a comprehensive framework for ZnO utilization and its broad mode of action. Moreover, all the risks related to pharmacological ZnO levels are presented; we focus on European institutions’ decisions subsequently. The identification of a novel, complete solution against PWD should be accompanied by the adoption of holistic strategies, thereby combining good management practices to feeding approaches capable of mitigating Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections and/or lowering ZnO utilization. Promising results can be obtained by adjusting diet composition or employing organic acids, natural identical compounds, polyphenol-rich extracts, prebiotics, and probiotics.

In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets

“…This raised the question of vulnerability of animals to disease, increasing the incidence of PWD as well as reducing the production efficiency and growth performance [ 50 ]. Very few alternative compounds, for example, zinc oxide, essential oils, probiotics and organic acids, are useful alternatives for controlling PWD and improving the growth performance of post-weaning piglets [ 51 ]. However, in our study, piglets that received RAC indirectly through their mother, as well as directly through creep and post-weaning feed had significantly higher ADG levels, at seven weeks of age, than piglets that had not previously been exposed to RAC.…”

Translational Approach to Induce and Evaluate Verocytotoxic E. coli O138 Based Disease in Piglets

“…PWD is a multifactorial disease in which the interaction of host-infectious agent, environment, management strategies, age and genetics and immunologic factors play critical roles in the outcome [ 22 , 23 ]. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of these aspects is needed, and is achievable through the experimental reproduction of the disease in controlled and repeatable conditions.…”

Evaluation of Tannin Extracts, Leonardite and Tributyrin Supplementation on Diarrhoea Incidence and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

“…This need was particularly highlighted by the removal of zinc oxide licensed as a medicinal product as it is involved in environmental pollution and in the co-selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria [5,6]. In fact, following the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, therapeutic antibiotics and zinc oxide have become more widely used [7][8][9] to prevent porcine colibacillosis, improve suboptimal weight gain, and feed efficiency. Alternatives to antibiotics and zinc oxide are also urgently needed to guarantee the profitability of swine farming, particularly during weaning, which involves the largest use of antimicrobials due to the high incidence of gastroenteric disorders and multifactorial post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) [10,11].…”