Ep. #8 | Review of alternatives to ZnO: how feed formulation can help achieve a better production, with Fernando Bravo de Laguna

Xixi Chen, Ph.D., expert in animal nutrition, interviews Fernando Bravo de Laguna, Project Leader of R&D Swine at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. In this episode, Bravo de Laguna reviews the evolution of the swine industry, its challenges, and the application of ZnO. He explains the history and mode of action of the therapeutic doses of ZnO in the feeds for piglets and why Europe countries stop their use. He explains the factors we need to consider in the search for an effective alternative solution and the problems feed mills can face on their way to replacing therapeutic doses of ZnO. Several effective methods or innovative products are also discussed as well as the benefits of using probiotics and how they act on the gut structural functions. In the context of high raw materials prices, accuracy in the feed formulation has to be considered to optimize the use of nutrients and reduce the risk of animal health issues or decreased performance.