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High Level Copper for Growing-Finishing Swine

University of Florida, Gainesville

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty weanling pigs were fed in six experiments to study (1) the influence of high levels of copper as copper sulfate on the performance of growing-finishing pigs; (2) possible interrelationships of high levels of copper and zinc fed in combination; and, (3) the influence of dietary protein level on copper toxicosis.

Copper levels of 250 p.p.m. and above proved toxic in these experiments. A level of 200 p.p.m. did not exert harmful effects on growth performance but hemoglobin levels were significantly reduced. Levels of 150 and 100 p.p.m. were generally non-toxic. Marked and consistent growth responses and feed savings were not obtained at any level of copper supplementation. An overall evaluation of the results of these experiments would not justify the use of high level copper supplementation for growing-finishing pigs fed corn-soybean meal rations of the type fed in these experiments. High levels of zinc (500 and 1000 p.p.m.) fed alone and in combination with high levels of copper did not influence pig performance. Evidence was obtained indicating that copper may have been effective in the prevention of parakeratosis. Other than this possible effect, no evidence was obtained to demonstrate a copper-zinc interrelationship.

Protein level was observed to exert a significant influence on the toxic effects of copper. When 750 p.p.m. copper was fed with three levels of protein (15, 20 and 25%) the toxic effects as measured by gain, feed conversion and hemoglobin levels became less as the protein level increased.

² Department of Animal Husbandry and Nutrition.

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