Zinc plays vital role in animal and human fertility, can help scientists quickly diagnose infertility

Jun 19, 2018

Infertility affects about 20 percent of the U.S. population and can be incredibly costly; it also costs the livestock industry billions of dollars each year. Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that zinc plays a key role in promoting fertility in males, a discovery that has implications for improved in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination in livestock, and for human infertility diagnostics and therapies.

“Zinc is linked directly with fertility,” said Peter Sutovsky, a professor of animal science in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We have known that giving males zinc supplements—whether pigs or humans—improves fertility. Now we know that analyzing zinc signatures can help us quickly evaluate the fertilizing potential and quality of sperm.”

Source : University of Missouri

Video: How to Maximize Swine Profitability with U.S. Soy

Are you looking for ways to maximize profitability in swine production? Leading animal nutritionists talk about the "soy effect," asserting the value of using soybean meal (SBM) made from U.S. Soy when formulating feed rations. In this video, Dr. David Rosero, assistant professor at Iowa State University, explains the soy effect and four key reasons for including soybean meal in swine diets for optimal performance and profitability.

Four Pillars of Soybean Meal in Swine Nutrition:
1. Energy Contribution of Soybean Meal in Commercial Diets
2. Soybean Meal as a Functional Bioactive for Animal Health
3. Soybean Meal as a High-Value Protein Source During Late Finisher Diets
4. Soybean Meal-Based Diets to Mitigate Summer Weight Dip
The proven consistency and quality exhibited by U.S. Soy makes for a superior nutritional bundle in animal nutrition, offering a reliable source of protein and energy for high-performing swine.