Medicated zinc oxide plays a huge role in husbandry to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea. However, stricter regulation in Europe and around the world mean the feed additives industry is stepping up research efforts in this area. The ban of zinc oxide in the European Union is restricted to medicated feeds which are prescribed by veterinarians. This does not apply to the nutritional usage of zinc oxide which remains the dominant source of zinc utilised by the feed industry.

Animine independent French supplier of trace minerals launches ZinCoSupp® R&D project. This name has a dual meaning and stands for SUPPression of pharmacoligical ZnO but also for SUPPlementation of the right zinc oxide source and at the right dosage.
The project brings together several well recognized Universities from western Europe (Berlin, Bologna, Leeds, Milan, Kiel & Ghent). Under the guidance of reputed scientists, these universities will drive several PhD thesis projects for Animine. In addition, a complementary PhD thesis project led by the University of Hohenheim and with contribution from the University of Georgia (USA) will study HiZox® with a particular focus on the interaction among dietary zinc and phytase efficacy on phosphorus release from phytic acid. The main goal of this large-scale R&D programme is to offer solutions to the upcoming regulatory challenge in the EU by highlighting benefits of zinc from a potentiated source HiZox® on gut morphology, function and health versus other zinc sources available.

With such a level of scientific expertise converging in a common goal of looking to clarify the modes of action of zinc oxide Animine is expecting really positive outcomes. The findings will be valuable for today and tomorrow’s swine production systems globally. It will help to prepare strategic plans for a shift towards more sustainable production systems while limiting the occurrence of digestive disorders around weaning and maintaining high productivity levels.