The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will maintain the current interim maximum zinc concentration of 3,000 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) in piglet starter feeds, delaying a proposed reduction to 300 mg/kg while regulators review additional evidence submitted by Canada’s pork industry.
The Canadian Pork Council has been in consultations with the CFIA on zinc supplements since 2018.
Had that reduction gone into effect, feed manufacturers and nutritionists, would have needed to change ration formulations and seek alternative nutrition or management strategies.
In its response to proposed feed regulation changes in 2021, Ontario Pork advocated maintaining access to zinc oxide at concentrations up to 3,000 mg/kg for a limited period following weaning.
The organization argued that elevated zinc concentrations could provide benefits associated with feed intake, gut health and post-weaning performance.
The Canadian Pork Council has been providing technical information and developing supporting documentation related to zinc oxide use in Canadian nursery diets.
In its response to proposed feed regulation changes in 2021, Ontario Pork advocated maintaining access to zinc oxide at concentrations up to 3,000 mg/kg for a limited period following weaning.
The organization argued that elevated zinc concentrations could provide benefits associated with feed intake, gut health and post-weaning performance.
The current regulations are:
Feed category | Maximum zinc concentration |
Piglet starter feeds, pigs under 25 kg | 3,000 mg/kg |
Grower and finisher feeds | 300 mg/kg |
Sow and boar feeds | 300 mg/kg |