390: Removing zinc oxide from pig diets – what are the options?

Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the pig industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. However, as a result of potential risks to the environment and in line with regulations set by the European Union (EU), therapeutic use of zinc oxide was banned across the EU in the summer of 2022. The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate granted an extension in the UK last year, allowing the industry to use up any product purchased before the authorisation expired in June 2022. Current supplies of zinc oxide are expected to be exhausted this summer (2023). In this episode, we hear about research that AHDB has conducted with SAC Commercial Ltd. to understand the pros and cons of some of the alternative options available to farmers in the absence of zinc oxide.  The options reviewed through this project target pig nutrition, management and immunity. Summaries have been produced to help guide farmers and their vets and nutritionists, which include details about costs, effectiveness and the time required to implement each of the options. This week’s guests Dr Charlotte Evans, Head of Engagement (Pork), AHDB E: [email protected] Dr Bethan John, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB E: [email protected] Dr Jim Morris, Senior Vice President of the Pig Veterinary Society   Useful links Rapid Evidence Assessment report: REA of research studies and evidence syntheses on assessment of practices to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs AHDB knowledge library: Removing zinc oxide from pig diets  Pig World article: UK pig sector Industry looks to gather evidence to justify return of zinc oxide Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: [email protected]    This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).