Effects of Supplementation of Mineral Nano Particles on Weaned Piglet Growth

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of mineral nano particles on piglet growth by assessing the live weight gain, the total feed intake, and the feed conversion ratio. A total of 240 Duroc-Landrace-Yorkshire piglets weaned at 25 days were randomly assigned to 4 treated groups and 1 control group. Piglets of Group I was fed with basal diets supplemented with 1.6 mg/kg nMn, 20 mg/kg nFe, 2 mg/kg nCu, 0.1 mg/kg Co, 0.1 mg/kg nSe, and 20 mg/kg nZn. The nano mineral content of Group II, III, and IV were 2, 4, and 8-fold higher than Group I, respectively. The results showed that the higher concentration of mineral nano particles supplementation (group III and IV) associated with the higher live weight gain. The piglet from group IV showed a highest live weight gain (36.68 ± 0.34 kg) comparing to other groups (P < 0.01). All groups of treatment with mineral nano particles supplementation showed the lower feed conversion ratio comparing to control group. There was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio of piglet from group I (2.85 ± 0.08), group II (2.69 ± 0.13), group III (2.73 ± 0.03), and group IV (2.69 ± 0.07).