Chelated minerals for better sow reproduction

Optimising nutrition is crucial for ensuring high reproductive performance and longevity in sows, as well as overall health and productivity. Among the essential components within the sows’ diet, trace minerals play a vital role in maintaining the health and reproductive efficiency of our breeding herd.

Alltech’s chelated minerals offer a superior solution to trace mineral nutrition by enhancing bioavailability, absorption and utilisation in the sow.

The importance of trace minerals in sow reproductive performance

Although they are only required in modest amounts, trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese and selenium are fundamental to sow nutrition, particularly in supporting fertility, farrowing house performance, and longevity within the herd (Figure 1). However, it’s not just mineral concentrations within the diet that require consideration — the actual source of these minerals is significantly important.

Traditionally, commercial sow diets have been formulated with inorganic sources of trace minerals, such as copper sulphate and sodium selenite, due to their relatively inexpensive cost. However, minerals from inorganic sources are extremely reactive in the premix, in the feed, and in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, due to their poor stability. As a result, the uptake and utilisation of these minerals can be limited, resulting in suboptimal performance. Inclusion levels are also regularly over-formulated to ensure that the sows’ requirements are actually met, but this leads to high levels of mineral excretion and waste.

For this reason, there is increasing interest in alternative forms of trace minerals which are better absorbed, stored and utilised by the sow. Chelated trace minerals provide this effective alternative.

Figure 1. The importance of trace minerals for sow reproductive performance and overall productivity

Modern animal production requires a modern approach to mineral supplementation

Alltech has proven that modern nutritional management can be achieved by supplementing chelated trace minerals in the form of Bioplex® minerals (including zinc, copper, iron and manganese) and Sel-Plex® organic selenium, which are scientifically and commercially proven to optimise sow nutrition. Because Bioplex and Sel-Plex are more stable and have enhanced bioavailability compared to inorganic mineral sources, pig producers can supplement their sows’ diets at significantly lower inclusion levels while still improving sow performance.  

Alltech’s approach to mineral management promotes several key benefits, some of which include:

1. Improved sow performance: Bioplex and Sel-Plex have been shown to optimise reproductive performance, with more piglets born alive per litter. These mineral technologies also support milk quality, including higher mineral levels in the milk.
2. Increased sow longevity: Bioplex and Sel-Plex contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is conducive to overall health and longevity as well as productivity.
3. Enhanced mineral bioavailability and stability: Bioplex and Sel-Plex are designed with improved stability and bioavailability, ensuring that the minerals remain in a form that the sow can effectively absorb, store and utilize.
4. Reduced mineral excretion: Through enhanced absorption and utilisation and lower inclusion rates, Bioplex and Sel-Plex help in reducing mineral excretion, thereby helping to reduce the environmental impact of intensive pig production.

A proven mineral solution for pig producers

European pig producers face increasing pressure to improve production efficiency while adhering to stricter environmental regulations. By incorporating Alltech’s trace mineral solutions into their nutritional programs, pig producers can unlock the full reproductive potential of their sows while supporting overall health and longevity, improved efficiency, and more profitable production.

For more information on how Alltech’s chelated trace minerals can optimise the performance of your sows, contact your local Alltech representative today.

About the author:

Dr. Hazel Rooney is the European pig specialist within Alltech’s Technology Group, where she leads the development and coordination of technical solutions for pigs across Ireland and Europe. She works closely with customers to enhance pig performance, address industry challenges, and develop tailored programs. In addition to her hands-on approach, she contributes to the industry through technical articles, presentations, and research-driven insights.

Dr. Rooney earned her Ph.D. in swine nutrition from University College Dublin and the Teagasc Pig Development Department in 2019. Her doctoral research focused on maternal feeding strategies during gestation and lactation to optimize annual sow output and to promote the growth and development of progeny from large litters. Before joining Alltech in 2020, she spent a year working as a post-doctoral researcher in the Teagasc Pig Development Department in Ireland.  

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