Bioplex minerals on the menu for pig production

Improved forms of minerals added to diets for pig production has heralded promising news for the environment, revealed in a study at Murdoch University.

MPhil student Aracely Hernandez has spent two years investigating the effects of Bioplex forms of copper and zinc on pig nutrition, and the fl ow on effects to the environment.

This research project, which included a large study involving the growth of pigs from 20kg to 105kg, found the Bioplex form of the nutrients had a signifi cantly better uptake by the animals compared to copper and zinc fed in an inorganic (sulphate) form.

'The improved uptake of nutrients due to feeding Bioplex copper and zinc resulted in growth rates and pig carcass characteristics similar to pigs fed inorganic copper and zinc,' said Associate Professor John Pluske, from the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Murdoch University.

'Consequently, the increased uptake would lead to reductions in levels of these heavy metals potentially entering the environment.'

The project was completed as part of an industry partnership scholarship with Alltech Biotechnology Ltd in co-supervision with Dr Bruce Mullan at the WA Department of Agriculture.

Alltech Biotechnology Pty Ltd is a multinational feed additive company specialising in innovative products for the animal feed industries.

Dr Pluske said the project was an excellent example of the value of industry based scholarships.

'Students get to work right within an industry in a hands on manner and conduct an independent examination of direct relevance,' Dr Pluske said.

'This has signifi cant benefi ts for both the industry and the students.'

Results from the study were released at an International mineral conference in Northern Ireland in June, and the fi nal results will be released at the Australasian Pig Science Conference to be held in New Zealand this November.