By Catalin V. Nicolaiciuc, Global Nutritionist
Modern swine genetics offers unprecedented opportunities for improved productivity. However, this progress can only be realized with comprehensive feeding strategies that include skeletal health and longevity. This is where calcium and phosphorus play a vital role.
Catalin V. Nicolaiciuc has been a Global Nutritionist at Topigs Norsvin for over a decade. He holds a double master’s degree in Sustainable Animal Nutrition and Feeding from Wageningen University and École d’Ingénieurs de Purpan. He provides comprehensive nutrition support to clients across Asia, Central Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. Furthermore, he creates and refines technical documentation, especially specialized nutrition guidelines.
Bone health critical for performance
Why is bone health so critical, and how do calcium and phosphorus help?
Robust skeletal development is about more than good practice, in my opinion. Without it, high-performing animals cannot reach their full potential. Calcium and phosphorus are fundamental to bone health. A lifelong balanced supply of both is essential for healthy bone growth, development, and maintenance. Insufficient intake or an imbalanced ratio disrupts bone formation, resulting in weaker skeletons, performance and welfare issues.
Bone health challenges
Where do bone health challenges typically arise?
In my experience, bone health issues commonly appear in three areas: finishing pigs (leg quality), gilts (selection for breeding), and sows (premature culling). These recurring problems illustrate the need to establish a strong skeletal foundation early in life. Finishing pigs, focused on rapid growth, sometimes unintentionally neglect leg quality. Proper bone mineralization during gilt development is absolutely essential. Otherwise, the legs will be unable to support the sow’s increasing weight or withstand the physiological demands of multiple pregnancies and lactations.
How can we balance performance and well-being?
I see that our industry increasingly recognizes these issues. There is no point in maximizing growth performance and feed efficiency if leg problems prevent pigs from reaching market weight. Therefore, we always seek an optimal balance between performance and well-being to achieve excellent production results, good welfare, and sound leg health.
Unique needs
Why do gilts and sows have unique bone health needs?
Gilt development requires a different approach than raising finishing pigs. Gilts are the future of the herd, so their development must prioritize robust bone development, quality, and longevity to ensure these future sows can successfully support multiple pregnancies and produce healthy piglets. So, make sure you provide enough calcium and phosphorus in the correct ratio to optimize bone development. Also, pay good attention to bone quality in sows throughout their reproductive cycle to boost their longevity. Be aware that calcium is mobilized from bones during lactation to support milk production, which can temporarily reduce bone density. However, with correct feeding, sows can replenish some calcium reserves during gestation to prepare for the next lactation cycle.
Phytase and vitamin D
What else matters besides calcium and phosphorus?
Bone health depends on more than correct calcium and phosphorus levels and ratios. For example, I observe that phytase usage significantly impacts mineral availability. Overdosing phytase can result in an overestimation of available calcium and phosphorus. Then, a deficiency can arise even if everything looks good on paper. So, manage phytase levels carefully to optimize bone health. Also, vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption and utilization by ensuring the pig’s body can effectively use available calcium and phosphorus for bone development. Ensure your pigs get enough vitamin D, as without it, they can take in minerals but fail to develop strong, healthy bones.
Don’t forget
Take home message
I believe that optimizing bone health requires a holistic approach that considers production goals, balances calcium and phosphorus intake (and their ratio), manages phytase levels carefully, and pays attention to vitamin D’s crucial role. You can ensure your swine herds’ long-term health, well-being, and productivity if you address each of these factors.
