Minerals constitute a small proportion of the diet, but they are essential for the health, wellbeing and performance of the breeding female. They are involved in many metabolic and endocrine processes within the body, and are especially important for reproduction, not only in terms of number of piglets weaned per litter or per year, but also in terms of lifetime performance. Dr Jules Taylor Pickard, European Business Director of Alltech, argues that it is questionable whether current trace mineral recommendations meet the needs of the modern hyperprolific sow.