The withdrawal of zinc oxide (ZnO) from therapeutic use in the European Union has significantly changed the way pig producers approach post-weaning nutrition. For many years, high-dose zinc oxide was widely used to reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and support piglet growth during one of the most challenging stages of production.

Today, producers must rely on integrated nutritional strategies that maintain intestinal health, support immune function and preserve growth performance without depending on pharmacological levels of zinc.

A successful transition requires much more than replacing a single ingredient. It involves combining nutrition, feed management, water quality and biosecurity into a comprehensive programme that promotes healthy piglets and sustainable production.

Why Zinc Oxide Was Removed

The European Union decided to phase out the use of therapeutic zinc oxide because of concerns regarding:

• Environmental accumulation of zinc in agricultural soils.
• Potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance.
• Increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable livestock production systems.

Although zinc oxide was effective against post-weaning diarrhoea, its removal has accelerated research into alternative nutritional approaches capable of delivering similar benefits while reducing environmental impact.

The Challenge of the Post-Weaning Period

Weaning is one of the most stressful moments in a piglet’s life.

During this transition, animals experience simultaneous changes in:

• Diet
• Environment
• Social hierarchy
• Immune status
• Intestinal microbiota

These stressors often reduce feed intake, impair gut integrity and increase susceptibility to digestive disorders, particularly Escherichia coli infections associated with post-weaning diarrhoea.

Maintaining intestinal health during this critical phase is therefore essential for achieving optimal growth performance.

Building a Successful Nutritional Strategy

Modern piglet nutrition focuses on supporting the digestive system naturally rather than relying on a single additive.

Effective programmes generally combine several complementary approaches.

Highly Digestible Raw Materials

Young piglets have an immature digestive system that benefits from highly digestible ingredients.

Selecting premium-quality protein sources and highly digestible carbohydrates helps reduce undigested nutrients reaching the large intestine, limiting bacterial proliferation and improving nutrient utilisation.

Organic Acids

Organic acids have become one of the most widely adopted nutritional tools following the removal of zinc oxide.

They help by:

• Lowering gastrointestinal pH.
• Improving digestion.
• Supporting beneficial intestinal microflora.
• Reducing the proliferation of acid-sensitive pathogens.
• Enhancing nutrient digestibility.

Products based on carefully balanced citric acid, malic acid and complementary organic acids can contribute to maintaining optimal gut conditions throughout the weaning period.

Supporting Gut Integrity

Maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier is fundamental.

Nutritional programmes increasingly include ingredients capable of supporting:

• Intestinal epithelial integrity
• Nutrient absorption
• Mucosal development
• Immune function

A healthy digestive tract enables piglets to convert nutrients more efficiently while reducing the risk of digestive disturbances.

Optimising Drinking Water

Water quality is frequently underestimated despite being one of the most important nutritional factors.

Proper drinking water acidification can:

• Improve water hygiene.
• Reduce microbial contamination.
• Encourage water intake.
• Support digestive function.
• Complement feed-based nutritional programmes.

Integrated water management has therefore become an important component of modern piglet production.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Periods of stress increase oxidative pressure and immune demand.

Adequate supplementation with vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidants helps piglets better cope with physiological stress while supporting growth and recovery during the post-weaning period.

Biosecurity Remains Essential

Nutrition alone cannot fully replace zinc oxide.

Successful farms combine nutritional interventions with strong biosecurity programmes, including:

• Effective cleaning and disinfection.
• Water sanitation.
• Proper ventilation.
• Appropriate stocking density.
• Strict hygiene protocols.
• Continuous health monitoring.

The interaction between nutrition and farm management is what ultimately determines production performance.

Sustainability and Future Swine Production

The transition away from zinc oxide also aligns with broader sustainability objectives.

Modern nutritional strategies support:

• Reduced environmental impact.
• Responsible mineral use.
• Improved feed efficiency.
• Better animal welfare.
• Sustainable livestock production.

These objectives are increasingly important as producers respond to evolving regulations and growing consumer expectations regarding responsible farming.

An Integrated Approach Delivers the Best Results

There is no single replacement for zinc oxide.

The most effective programmes combine high-quality nutrition, organic acids, water management, biosecurity, gut health support and careful farm management into one integrated strategy.

By focusing on prevention rather than intervention, producers can successfully maintain piglet health, improve growth performance and reduce the incidence of post-weaning digestive disorders while supporting the long-term sustainability of swine production.

As livestock production continues to evolve, integrated nutritional solutions will remain the key to raising healthy, resilient piglets without relying on therapeutic zinc oxide.