Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential nutrients. However, the functions and interplay between these two minerals remain to be fully understood, especially in the feeding of piglets, where Cu is used as a "growth promoter". The process of weaning imposes a lot of changes in the dietary conditions which may contribute to the weaning problems. Besides being heavy metals, Cu and Zn are required in the functioning of the young pig. Thus, further studies of the basic functions and interplay between Cu and Zn in relation to environmental aspects are needed.
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Hanne Damgaard Poulsen (1998) studied this question.