Rethinking Zinc Nutrition in Swine Diets | What are we waiting for?

Today, the question is not whether zinc is essential, but how we can lean on the ever-growing body of evidence to use it more effectively & responsibly.

In the field of animal nutrition, we are faced with a continuous challenge: optimizing animal performance, improving environmental sustainability, and adhering to evolving regulatory standards. Zinc, an essential trace mineral, exemplifies this balancing act. Its role in swine health and growth has long been recognized, yet its traditional usage has often relied on outdated approaches— the old adage of; if a little is good, then a lot must be better. High inclusion levels are the norm, and reliance on cheap readily available traditional sources like zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Today, the question is not whether zinc is essential, but how we can lean on an ever-growing body of evidence to use it more effectively and responsibly.

At Nexus Powered by SAM, a division of SAM Nutrition, we’ve been exploring these questions through extensive research, at several top accredited university institutions in the US, into advanced zinc sources, specifically NexTrace TBZC, a hydroxy tribasic zinc chloride. This innovative zinc source offers superior bioavailability, greater environmental sustainability, and improved feed efficiency compared to traditional forms. As an industry, we now have the data, confidence, and tools to rethink zinc nutrition in swine diets, and stewardship to the industries and communities we serve.

The Case for Change

Outdated Practices & Environmental Concerns

Historically, ZnO has been used at pharmacological levels (often 3,000 ppm) in swine diets, particularly in nursery pigs, to support growth and reduce post-weaning diarrhea. However, its low bioavailability means the majority of the zinc is excreted rather than absorbed. This practice has contributed to zinc accumulation in soil and water systems, posing risks to ecosystems and fostering antimicrobial resistance.

Globally, regulatory bodies have started responding to these concerns

• European Union Mandates: The EU has imposed stringent limits on trace mineral inclusion, capping zinc levels in pig feeds at 150 ppm for grow-finish diets and 180 ppm for nursery diets. These measures aim to reduce zinc runoff into the environment and align with sustainable agricultural goals.
• Asian Developments: Countries such as China and South Korea have also introduced regulations to limit heavy metal accumulation, including tighter controls on trace mineral usage in livestock feeds.

Adapting to these mandates requires innovative solutions. Hydroxy zinc chloride, such as NexTrace TBZC, offers a pathway forward. Its improved bioavailability allows producers to meet nutritional needs at lower inclusion levels, reducing environmental impact.

In a 2023 study at SDSU Atoo et al. (2024), researchers found that feeding 1/3 of the level of NexTrace TBZC compared to industry standard 3000ppm ZnO in nursery diets, not only maintained expected levels of performance, incidence of piglet diarrhea, reduced feed cost by $2.73/ton (USD), but the zinc content present in the feces was also statistically lowered by nearly 4X.

Contaminants in Traditional Sources

Inorganic zinc sources, particularly ZnO and ZnSO4, are not without their challenges. These traditional sources are often associated with contamination by PCBs, dioxins, and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Such contaminants not only pose risks to animal health but also raise concerns about food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

In contrast, hydroxy zinc chloride is produced through a controlled process that minimizes contamination risks. As a highly purified source, NexTrace TBZC aligns with modern food safety requirements while ensuring consistent nutritional delivery.

Performance & Sustainability

Our research & trials have demonstrated the efficacy of NexTrace TBZC

• In a 2023 nursery trial at South Dakota State University, Atoo et al. (2024), pigs supplemented with NexTrace TBZC at 1,000 ppm achieved growth performance and health benefits comparable to those fed ZnO at 3,000 ppm, while significantly reducing fecal zinc excretion, and not impairing feed intake.

• A meta-analysis by Van Kuijk et al. (2019) highlighted that hydroxy trace minerals not only maintain performance, but also lower environmental zinc loads by up to 50% compared to ZnO.
• In a 2024 study on finishing pigs at Kansas State University (KSU) by Arroyave et al. (2025) showed that NexTrace TBZC not only supports growth performance but also contributes to improved carcass characteristics when compared to traditional levels of zinc sulfate. Pigs fed NexTrace TBZC had higher lean meat percentages and reduced backfat deposition during the finishing phase, aligning with the industry's increasing emphasis on optimizing carcass quality.

These findings underscore the dual benefits of NexTrace TBZC: improved feed efficiency and reduced environmental impact. By shifting to hydroxy zinc chloride, producers can reduce their reliance on pharmacological zinc levels without sacrificing performance.

There has got to be a better way towards smarter zinc nutrition

The swine industry stands at a crossroads. Continuing with high levels of ZnO and ZnSO4 questions the very nature of what it is to be sustainable. Proven tools exist to optimize zinc nutrition — both for the pigs and the planet. By adopting NexTrace TBZC, producers can:

• Enhance Bioavailability: Deliver the same or greater benefits at lower inclusion levels.
• Improve Sustainability: Minimize environmental zinc accumulation and meet regulatory standards.
• Ensure Food Safety: Avoid contaminants associated with traditional zinc sources.

The global trends in regulation and sustainability demand action. Other geographies have led the way and have not compromised levels of productivity and profitability. By rethinking zinc nutrition now, producers can not only stay ahead of regulatory pressures but also demonstrate leadership in sustainable livestock production.

At Nexus Powered by SAM, we are committed to driving innovation in trace mineral nutrition. With NexTrace TBZC, we offer a proven, science-backed solution to modern challenges.

Are you ready to rethink your approach to zinc nutrition? Contact us to learn more about NexTrace TBZC and how it can transform your feeding strategies while meeting modern sustainability goals.

What are we waiting for? Let’s lead the way together.

Matt Einarson | Vice President

Nexus Powered by SAM

[email protected]