Inhibitory action of two zinc oxide sources on the ex vivo growth of porcine small intestine bacteria.

Pharmacological dosage of zinc oxide in piglet weaning diets is a common practice to improve growth performance and gut health. However, high zinc excretion in animal wastes poses environmental challenges. Alternatives to current practice are studied. In this study, the inhibitory action of 2 zinc oxide sources on the ex vivo growth of small intestinal bacteria from weaned piglets was studied. Lag time was higher (P < 0.05) in media supplemented with a new zinc oxide preparation in stomach samples, but not in jejunum samples. Bacterial growth reduction (P < 0.05) was more drastic and more rapid in media supplemented with the new zinc oxide preparation.