A meta-analysis was carried out to study the relationship among plasma Zn and Cu with diet nutrients and piglets weight gain. Eighteen publications were considered in the database. The intake of CP, lysine, Ca, P, Cu and Zn was considered as variable in the analysis. Regression analyses were used through mixed models. Plasma Zn was affected by P and Zn intake as well as Cu plasma. P intake and plasma Cu affected negatively plasmatic Zn. The regression analysis showed that for each gram of total P intake/kg BW0.6 there was reduction in 0.043 mg/L of plasmatic Zn. Plasma Cu was affected by Ca, P, Cu and Zn intake. Ca and Zn intake affected negatively plasma Cu. Weight gain was affected by CP, Ca, lysine and Cu intake as well as plasma Zn. A negative effect of Zn intake on Cu metabolism was observed; however plasma Zn had a positive effect on piglets weight gain. This meta-analysis study identified some factors of dietary origin, as P and Ca, which influence negatively the absorption and the metabolism of Zn and Cu in weanling pigs.
metabolism; micro minerals; mixed models; nutrients
