Scientists studied how the balance of minerals (like sodium, potassium, and chloride) affects pig health when they eat less protein. They tested 144 growing pigs on different diets and found that getting the mineral balance just right is important for keeping the intestines healthy, helping cells produce energy properly, and producing better quality meat. When the mineral balance was too low or too high, pigs grew slightly slower and had weaker intestinal barriers. The research suggests there’s an ideal mineral balance that helps pigs thrive even on reduced-protein diets.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How the balance of minerals in pig feed affects intestinal health, energy production in cells, and meat quality when pigs eat lower-protein diets
  • Who participated: 144 young pigs weighing about 56 pounds at the start, divided into four groups eating different diets with varying mineral balances
  • Key finding: Pigs fed diets with too little or too much mineral balance grew about 4-5% slower than control pigs, and their intestinal barriers became weaker. The best mineral balance for low-protein diets appeared to be 180 mEq/kg
  • What it means for you: If you raise pigs or work in animal agriculture, carefully balancing minerals in low-protein feed may help pigs grow better and stay healthier. However, this research is specific to pigs and doesn’t directly apply to human nutrition

The Research Details

Researchers divided 144 young pigs into four groups. One group ate a normal-protein diet with balanced minerals (the control group). The other three groups ate lower-protein diets but with different amounts of mineral balance—some with too little, some with the right amount, and some with too much. The scientists measured how well the pigs grew, checked their intestinal health, looked at how well their cells produced energy, and evaluated the quality of their meat after 42 days.

This type of study is called a controlled experiment because researchers carefully controlled what each group ate and measured specific outcomes. By comparing the groups, they could see how mineral balance affected pig health independent of other factors.

The researchers measured several important things: how much weight pigs gained each day, the strength of the intestinal barrier (which keeps harmful substances out), proteins that hold intestinal cells together, and how well the pigs’ cells could produce energy from food.

Understanding how mineral balance affects pig health is important for farmers and feed manufacturers because it helps them create better, more efficient diets. When pigs are healthier and grow better on lower-protein diets, it can reduce costs and environmental impact. This research helps identify the exact mineral balance needed to keep pigs healthy without wasting nutrients.

This study was a controlled experiment with a reasonably large number of pigs (144), which makes the results more reliable than smaller studies. The researchers measured multiple health markers rather than just one outcome, which gives a more complete picture. However, the study was conducted in a controlled farm setting, so results might differ slightly in real-world conditions. The research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

Pigs that ate low-protein diets with too little mineral balance (the LE group) gained about 4.7% less weight per day compared to pigs on normal-protein diets. Pigs that ate low-protein diets with too much mineral balance (the HE group) gained about 4.3% less weight per day. Interestingly, pigs that ate low-protein diets with the right amount of mineral balance (the ME group at 180 mEq/kg) performed similarly to the control group.

The intestinal barrier—which is like a protective wall that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream—was significantly weaker in pigs eating low-protein diets with incorrect mineral balance. Specifically, the tiny finger-like structures in the intestines (called villi) were smaller, and the proteins that hold intestinal cells together were less abundant.

Cells in pigs eating unbalanced low-protein diets also showed signs of struggling to produce energy efficiently. This suggests that mineral balance affects not just digestion but also how well cells function throughout the body.

The quality of the meat (carcass quality) was also affected, though the abstract doesn’t specify exactly how. This is important because it means mineral balance affects the final product that consumers receive.

The study found that the intestinal barrier’s electrical resistance—a measure of how well it blocks unwanted substances—was significantly lower in pigs on unbalanced low-protein diets. This is important because a weakened intestinal barrier can allow harmful bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. Additionally, three specific proteins that act like ‘glue’ holding intestinal cells together (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1) were all reduced in pigs eating unbalanced diets, suggesting multiple systems were affected.

Previous research has shown that reducing protein in animal diets can cause problems with intestinal health and nutrient absorption. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that mineral balance is a key factor in preventing these problems. The finding that 180 mEq/kg is the optimal mineral balance for low-protein pig diets provides specific guidance that farmers can use, improving on earlier research that identified the problem but not the solution.

This study only looked at pigs, so we can’t automatically assume the same mineral balance would work for other animals or humans. The study lasted 42 days, so we don’t know if the effects would be different over a longer period. The research was conducted in a controlled farm setting, which is very different from how pigs live in nature, so real-world results might vary. Additionally, the study focused on growing pigs at a specific age and weight, so results might differ for younger or older pigs. The abstract doesn’t provide detailed information about all the measurements taken, so some important details may not be included in this summary.

The Bottom Line

For pig farmers and feed manufacturers: If using low-protein diets to reduce costs or environmental impact, maintain a mineral balance of approximately 180 mEq/kg to keep pigs healthy and growing well. This recommendation has moderate confidence because it’s based on one controlled study. Monitor pig growth rates and intestinal health indicators to ensure the diet is working. For others: This research is specific to pig nutrition and doesn’t directly apply to human diets or other animals.

This research is most relevant to: pig farmers, livestock nutritionists, animal feed manufacturers, and agricultural researchers. It may also interest people concerned with sustainable farming practices and reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. This research does NOT apply to human nutrition, pet nutrition, or other animal species without additional research.

Based on this study, changes in pig growth and intestinal health would likely become apparent within 2-3 weeks of changing the diet. Full effects on meat quality would take the entire growing period (several months) to fully develop. Farmers should monitor pigs regularly during the first few weeks to ensure they’re adjusting well to the new diet.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For farmers using livestock management apps: Track daily weight gain (in pounds or kilograms) for each group of pigs on the new diet and compare it to baseline growth rates. Record this weekly to spot trends early. Also track feed costs and feed conversion ratio (how much feed is needed to gain one pound of body weight) to measure overall diet efficiency.
  • If implementing a low-protein pig diet: Adjust feed formulation to achieve the 180 mEq/kg mineral balance target, monitor supplier mineral content in feed ingredients, and establish a regular testing schedule to verify mineral levels in finished feed batches. Train farm staff on the importance of consistent feeding practices.
  • Establish a monthly monitoring system that tracks: (1) average daily weight gain by pen, (2) feed costs per pound of gain, (3) visible signs of intestinal health issues (like diarrhea), and (4) final meat quality metrics. Compare these metrics to baseline data from before implementing the new diet to measure success. Keep detailed records to identify any problems early.

This research applies specifically to pig nutrition and was conducted in controlled farm settings. These findings should not be applied to human nutrition, other animal species, or different farming conditions without additional research. Farmers considering changes to their feeding programs should consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before making significant dietary changes. This summary is for informational purposes and does not constitute professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Always follow local regulations and best practices for animal care and nutrition.