Potentiated zinc and monovalent copper oxide as dietary supplements for weanling piglets: effects on systemic and mucosal immunity, gut permeability and fecal microbiota composition

These are the data used for the gut microbiome experiment reported in the article "Potentiated zinc and monovalent copper oxide as dietary supplements for weanling piglets: effects on systemic and mucosal immunity, gut permeability and fecal microbiota composition" (Frontiers in Veterinary Science; Manuscript ID: 1647844).- 56 samples from 28 pigs (4 experimental groups, 7 pigs each; two time points)The study explored how different ratios of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) affect gut health in weaned piglets. A total of 84 piglets were divided into four groups after weaning and kept for 28 days. One group received a high conventional zinc dose (positive control), while the other three groups received lower, specialty forms of zinc and copper at European and non-European recommended levels.Results showed that piglets' gut health and immune responses were influenced by the Zn/Cu ratios. The positive control group had better early fecal scores, while balancing Zn and Cu through European levels of inclusion in feed positively modulated gut health biomarkers. Zinc and copper concentrations in feces varied according to the supplementation strategy. Microbiota analysis revealed that some treatments reduced bacterial diversity and altered the composition of gut genera.