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The harm of trace elements in pig feed to pigs
At present, the feed industry faces several challenges, including the presence of heavy metals in some raw ingredients that fail to meet hygiene standards. One of the main issues is the excessive use of inorganic salts of copper, iron, and zinc, often added artificially to enhance growth performance and improve the visual appearance of livestock.
In pig feed, high levels of copper—ranging from 125 to 250 mg/kg—have been widely used not only for promoting growth but also for making pigs’ skin appear redder and their feces darker, which can increase the market value of the animals. This practice has become a key factor influencing farmers' decisions, as it helps them achieve more visually appealing results.
To meet the expectations of farmers, many feed companies have continued to increase copper content, with some products containing amounts that exceed the minimum toxic thresholds for pigs. This overuse poses serious health risks both to the animals and to humans who consume meat from these animals.
For instance, when copper is added at 100–125 mg/kg, liver copper levels can increase by 23 times. At 250 mg/kg, the increase is about 10 times, and at 500 mg/kg, liver copper can reach up to 1,500 mg/kg. Such high concentrations can impair liver function, reduce hemoglobin levels, and lower hematocrit values. Consuming pork liver from such animals may lead to symptoms like anemia and jaundice in humans.
In addition, as copper levels rise, so do the concentrations of other minerals like zinc and iron. Many feed manufacturers now add 2,000–3,000 mg/kg of zinc oxide to piglet diets to prevent diarrhea. However, this high level of zinc, along with increased iron, can cause similar toxic effects as those seen with excessive copper, leading to health problems in both pigs and humans.
This growing trend of mineral overuse highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and better monitoring to ensure the safety of animal feed and protect public health.