89 Controlling intrinsic pathways to optimize efficiencies of mineral and vitamin use by sows. (30th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crenshaw, Thomas D; Capdeville, Mariola Grez; Amundson, Laura A
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 98(2020)Supplement 3
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2020-11-30
• Subjects: Calcium -- phosphorus -- vitamin D -- sustainability -- homeostasis -- safety margins; Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa054.133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: Nutrient efficiency concepts seem to have been ignored in applications of diet formulations for the breeding herd, especially for minerals and vitamins. Historically, gestating sows were notably the animal that could withstand marginal, or minimal fortifications of nutrients. The sow was resilient to nutrient inputs. Ample examples illustrate the ability of sows to adapt to marginal nutrient inputs by improvements in efficiency, and thus, avoid reduced productivity. Over-supplementation of nutrients precludes adaptive improvements in efficiency and leads to substantial environmental impacts and economic losses. Failure to focus on optimizing nutrient efficiency contributes to negative consumer perceptions, which imply that modern swine production is not sustainable. Understanding intrinsic pathways provide opportunities to improve nutrient efficiencies for both macro- and micro- minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins. As an example, over-supplementation of 0.10% excess P to sow herd diets equates to an excess of 4, 745 metric tons of P that must be accommodated in manure nutrient management plans. The recent global shortage of vitamins captured the attention of nutritionists and raised questions around sufficient safety margins needed for vitamins. Based on our research efforts, the minimal vitamin D requirement for sows is likely around 300 IU D3 /kg diet, yet commercial diets are commonly supplemented at 6X that level. The historical recommendations that 1.5X requirements for fat soluble vitamins and 3X requirements for water soluble vitamins provide sufficient safety margins have been largely ignored in current production applications. Does scientific evidence support such extreme over-supplementation? In conclusion, understanding intrinsic pathways to improve gestating sow nutrient efficiencies provides opportunities for significant impacts on the balance between meeting animal needs and minimizing environmental impacts. As an industry our research efforts and practical applications must focus on positive ways to capture nutrient efficiency, especially in mineral and vitamin fortifications, in order to promote a sustainable industry.