Effects of reducing copper and zinc supplementation on the performance and mineral status of fattening pigs.

Pig manure with high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration is applied to the soil, and these trace minerals can accumulate in the topsoil and decrease its fertility. Thus, adjusting concentrations of Cu and Zn in pig diets below current maximum allowance can prevent this risk. Reduction of dietary concentrations of Cu and Zn reduces their faecal excretion since only a small portion is retained in the pig's body.

The fate of Cu and Zn along the feed-animal-excreta-effluent continuum in swine systems according to feed and effluent treatment strategies.

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) have negative environmental impacts as they accumulate in the soil after pig manure is spread. Cu and Zn are essential elements in pig nutrition but due to their low retention rate, more than 90% of ingested Cu and Zn are excreted. A better understanding of the behaviour of these elements throughout the animal-manure-soil continuum according to feed composition and manure management chain is thus required to propose alternative ways to reduce these environmental impacts.

Data quantifying the behaviour of macro and trace elements along the feed - manure - treated waste continuum in pig production.

Manure from animal production is commonly spread on agricultural soil as an organic fertiliser to provide macro and trace elements to crops. However, some trace elements can accumulate in the soil and become toxic to plants and microorganisms. These elements include copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), which can be applied in large quantities when pig manure is spread.