Supplementation of microminerals to swine diets in
concentrations at the requirements is crucial for animal
growth, reproduction, and immune system development
and as a defense against oxidative stress and cell damage
(Underwood and Suttle, 1999; NRC, 2012). However,
supplemented levels often exceed requirements, whichresults in elevated excretions of minerals (Carlson et al.,
1999; Hill et al., 2000). Therefore, diets formulated with
concentrations of microminerals that meet, but not exceed,
requirements may result in reduced mineral excretion
from pigs and more economical feeding strategies.