Copper requirements of broiler breeder hens

Dietary phytase effects on copper requirements of broilers

Information on the availability of Cu from plant feedstuffs for broilers in the presence of phytase is scarce. The present research has been conducted with the objective of evaluating the Cu requirements of broilers when fed corn-soy diets with or without phytase. A total of 640 one-day-old male Cobb x Cobb 500, allocated into 80 battery cages with 8 chicks in each, were fed a low Cu content diet (formulated with 8.58 ± 0.21 mg/kg Cu) without phytase from placement to day 7. Starting on day 8, battery cages were distributed into a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (phytase-added diets X 5 with graded increases of supplemental Cu) until day 28. Feeding treatments (feeds added or not with phytase and 5 graded increases of Cu) were randomly distributed with 8 cages of 8 chicks. The basal non-supplemented feeds were formulated with corn and soybean meal (SBM) without any other significant Cu contributors. Supplemental Cu was from laboratory-grade Cu sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO5H20) which was increasingly added to the feeds. Phytase was added in excess to the producer recommendation (2,500 FYT) and had average analyzed values of 2,768 ± 135.2 FYT/kg whereas analyzed Cu values were: 8.05 ± 0.25, 11.25 ± 0.15, 14.20 ± 0.40, 16.55 ± 0.05, and 19.45 ± 0.45 mg/kg. Statistics were conducted using linear and quadratic polynomial regression models. No interactions occurred between dietary Cu and phytase (p > 0.05) for any response and no effects were found for the individual factors (phytase or dietary Cu) for Ht, Hb, varus, valgus, rotated tibia, and tibia breaking strength, as well as for Cu contents in breast, gastrocnemius tendon, and kidney (p > 0.05). However, the phytase-added diets led to higher BWG, lower FCR, and increased ileal digestible Cu (p < 0.05). The gradual increase in dietary Cu produced linear increases in Cu content in livers, as well as in excreta and retention (p < 0.05). Supplementing phytase at levels expected to maximize phytate degradation was demonstrated to improve BWG and FCR; however, no effects were observed when dietary Cu was increased to a maximum of 19.45 mg/kg. An increase of 8.8% in ileal digestible Cu was observed when birds were fed phytase.

The Application of Copper Waterline on Laying Performance and Gut Health of Aged Laying Hens

The effect of the application of copper waterline on the performance and gut health of aged laying hens was evaluated in this study. Forty-eight 70-week-old laying hens were divided into two groups (three replicates of eight hens each): control and copper (Cu) groups provided with normal polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waterline or Cu waterline. The laying performance was measured during the four-week period of the experiment. The intestinal antioxidant status and the microbiota diversity of the cecal content were determined. Moreover, a bacteriostasis test on Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis was conducted after inoculation in waterline and hens, respectively. The water Cu²⁺ content was increased by Cu waterline compared to the control (P<0.05). Cu waterline had no detectable effect on most production performances, however, it increased the egg weight (P<0.05). Cu waterline increased the Cu level in the eggshell. Cu level in excreta increased with time, especially in the final two weeks, however, there was no significant change in fecal Cu excretion. The lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde content in ileum decreased (P<0.01), while the activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) of ileum and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity of jejunum and ileum increased after Cu treatment. The relative abundance and richness of cecal microbiota increased after Cu treatment (P<0.05). Cu waterline changed the microbial composition, including the increased proportion of Methanocorpusculum, Paludibacter, and decreased proportion of Fucobacterium, Anaerobiospirillum, and Campylobacter. The colonization of E. coli and S. enteritidis in Cu waterline was suppressed by Cu treatment, indicating that Cu waterline had potential antibacterial properties. The result suggests that Cu waterline could inhibit the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli and Salmonella and facilitate the enrichment of cecal microbiota diversity.

Valorization of postextraction residues-analysis of the influence of new feed additives with micronutrients on eggs quality parameters

This paper presents attempts to enrich hens eggs with ions of copper, manganese, and zinc through the use of new feed additives (19 mg Cu²⁺; 124 mg Mn²⁺ and 85 mg Zn²⁺) such as biomass of alfalfa and goldenrod after extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide enriched with microelements via biosorption. Mechanical parameters of eggs (shell thickness and strength, Haugh unite), hen's laying performance, microelements content in albumen and yolk were examined and the transfer factor from feed to eggs was determined. The highest transfer of microelements content in albumen occurred in the group of hens fed with enriched goldenrod in a 100% dose (daily dose of microelements from biomass; Cu²⁺ 106%; Mn²⁺ 104%; Zn²⁺ 104% more in comparison to the inorganic salt group), while the highest yolk enrichment with microelements manifested itself for hens fed with enriched goldenrod in a 50% dose (daily dose of microelements from biomass; Cu²⁺ 32%; Zn²⁺ 22% more in comparison to the inorganic salt group). These groups also had the highest total microelements concentration. Mechanical properties of eggs varied insignificantly during the trial. Production parameters did not differ statistically among all experimental group. Eggs produced with need additives had better organoleptic parameters than fed with conventional premixes, which is why they were preferred by the respondents. The presented technology allows obtaining low-cost feed materials characterized by high bioavailability of components. The produced feed additives can serve as potential material for biofortification of eggs with nutrients.

Effects of Subchronic Copper Poisoning on Cecal Histology and Its Microflora in Chickens

Copper (Cu) is an important trace element with a two-sided effect on the growth performance of animals, which depends on the timing and dosage of Cu addition, etc. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of oral copper sulfate (CuSO₄, 350 ppm) on growth performance, cecal morphology, and its microflora of chickens (n = 60) after 30, 60, and 90 days. The results showed that after 90 days of copper exposure, the chickens lost weight, the cecum mucosa was detached, and vacuolation and inflammatory infiltration occurred at the base of the lamina propria. In addition, using the 16S rDNA sequencing method, we observed that copper exposure changed the richness and diversity of intestinal microorganisms. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria both significantly increased, while Bacteroidetes significantly decreased in the Cu group compared with control check (CK) group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group decreased significantly, while Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Lachnoclostridium, and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group increased significantly after copper exposure, and the change in microflora was most significant at 90 days. Moreover, the relevance of genus-level bacteria was altered. PICRUST analysis revealed potential metabolic changes associated with copper exposure, such as Staphylococcus aureus infection and metabolic disorders of nutrients. To sum up, these data show that subchronic copper exposure not only affects the growth and development of chickens but also causes the imbalance of intestinal microflora, which may further induce metabolic disorders in chickens.

High levels of copper and zinc supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, carcase traits and apparent ileal mineral absorption

1. This study investigated the effects of hydroxy trace minerals (HTM) compared to sulphate trace minerals (STM) supplementation on growth performance, carcase parameters and mineral retention in broilers.2. A total of 1792 male Cobb 500 d-old were allocated in a completely randomised trial design to one of eight dietary treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The HTM sources used were two levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CHC) (low and high), combined with three levels of Zn hydroxychloride (ZHC) (low, med and high) and two additional treatments STM; Cu sulphate monohydrate (CSM) (low and high) combined with high Zn sulphate monohydrate (ZSM). At 21 and 42 d-old growth performance was evaluated. Additionally, at 42 d-old the carcase traits, meat quality, apparent ileal absorption and activity of antioxidant enzymes were accessed.3. A data showed that broilers receiving high-CHC had higher body weight, weight gain and better feed conversion ratio as compared to low-CHC at 21 d-old. On day 42, the feed conversion ratio was improved for birds supplemented with high-CHC in diets containing med-ZHC, as compared to low-CHC.4. Dietary Cu increased the redness of breast colour at the level of high-CHC compared to low-CHC. Greater results were observed on carcase traits for the med-ZHC group as compared to low- or high-ZHC. The ceruloplasmin activity in serum increased in the high-CSM diets containing high-ZSM as compared to low-CSM. The AIA of Cu was higher in broilers supplemented with high-CHC containing med-ZHC as compared to low-CHC. Otherwise, the AIA of Zn increased in broilers fed low-CHC containing low- or med-ZHC as compared to high-CHC.5. The trial showed that mineral trace supplementation of broilers diets with high-CHC (150 mg/kg) and low-ZHC (80 mg/kg) was a good alternative to replace sulphate mineral sources in diets.

High dietary copper induces oxidative stress and leads to decreased egg quality and reproductive performance of Chinese Yellow broiler breeder hens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary copper (Cu) on production, egg quality, and hatchability of Chinese Yellow broiler breeder hens and growth performance of their offspring. A total of 576 30-week-old hens were randomly allotted into 6 groups, each with 6 replicates (8 cages for each replicate with 2 birds per cage). The basal diet contained 3.50 mg/kg Cu, and the other 5 treatment diets contained 8.5, 13.5, 23.5 43.5, and 83.5 mg/kg Cu, respectively, additionally supplemented with Cu on the basal diet. The trial lasted for 15 wk. Qualified egg rate of birds fed 23.5 or 83.5 mg/kg Cu was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with those given 3.5, 8.5, or 13.5 mg/kg Cu. Plasma malondialdehyde concentration showed quadratic effect (P = 0.002) which that decreased first then increased with dietary Cu increased. Highest values of Cu content and hepatic activity of Cu-ATPase occurred in hens fed 83.5 mg/kg dietary Cu with linear (P = 0.001) and quadratic (P = 0.001) effects. Shell strength and proportion on 18th day of live embryos of hens fed 13.5 mg/kg Cu were the greatest compared with other groups respectively (P < 0.05); rate of qualified eggs for hatch and hatchability of fertilized eggs of hens fed 83.5 mg/kg Cu were the least (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both inadequate (3.5 mg/kg diet) and excess (83.5 mg/kg) of dietary Cu can induce oxidative stress in hens and lead to decreased egg quality. Hatchability and growth performance of offspring were decreased when breeder hens were fed excess Cu in spite of greater hatching weight. The appropriate dietary Cu level for Chinese Yellow broiler breeder hens during the egg-laying period is 15.7 to 21.2 mg/kg (1.81-2.44 mg Cu fed per day) when based on Cu level and Cu-ATPase activity in the liver. This dietary Cu requirement is approximately doubled (∼40 mg/kg, ∼4.60 mg Cu per bird per day) for maximal response of eggshell thickness.

Effect of Dietary Zinc Level on Egg Production Performance and Eggshell Quality Characteristics in Laying Duck Breeders in Furnished Cage System

In order to investigate the effect of dietary Zn levels on laying performance, eggshell quality, and eggshell microstructure in Muscovy duck breeders under furnished cages. Firstly, the effects of age (35 weeks vs 40 weeks) and rearing system (littered floor vs furnished cage) on eggshell quality of laying duck breeders were studied (Exp. 1). Then, a total of 324 30-week-old Muscovy duck breeders were allotted into 3 dietary Zn groups with 6 replicates (18 ducks per replicate), including 0 mg Zn/kg (control-Zn group, C-Zn), 40 mg Zn/kg (normal-Zn group, N-Zn), and 140 mg Zn/kg (high-Zn group, H-Zn). The experimental period for 6 weeks was divided into 3 periods of 30-32, 32-34, and 34-36 weeks of age (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, duck breeder eggs in the furnished cage system had lower the average shell thickness than birds in the littered floor system at 40 weeks of age (P < 0.05), not at 35 weeks of age. In Exp. 2, N-Zn and H-Zn groups had greater egg weight, egg production, and egg to feed ratio of duck breeders than C-Zn group (P < 0.05). Additionally, H-Zn group had higher laying rate, qualified egg ratio, and Haugh unit as well as lower mammillary cone width than C-Zn group (P < 0.05), with no differences between C-Zn and N-Zn groups (P > 0.05). Diet supplemented with 140 mg Zn/kg increased shell thickness and palisade layer thickness of duck breeders at 36 weeks of age (P < 0.05), but not at 32 and 34 weeks of age. In conclusion, diets with 40 or 140 mg Zn/kg improved egg production performance and egg quality of laying duck breeders during 30-36 weeks of age in a furnished cage system. Dietary supplementation of 140 mg Zn/kg level increased the ultrastructural palisade layer thickness contributing to greater eggshell thickness of duck breeders at 36 weeks of age.

Organic trace minerals improve eggshell quality by improving the eggshell ultrastructure of laying hens during the late laying period

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low inclusion levels of organic trace minerals (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) on performance, eggshell quality, serum hormone levels, and enzyme activities of laying hens during the late laying period. A total of 405 healthy hens (HY-Line White, 50-week-old) were randomly divided into 3 treatments, with 9 replications per treatment and 15 birds per replication. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals at commercial levels (CON), a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals at 1/3 commercial levels (ITM), and a basal diet supplemented with proteinated trace minerals at 1/3 commercial levels (TRT). The trial lasted 56 D (8 wk). Compared with the CON group, the ITM group showed decrease in (P < 0.05) egg production, eggshell strength, eggshell palisade layer, palisade layer ratio, serum estrogen, luteinizing hormone, glycosaminoglycan concentration, and carbonic anhydrase activity and increase in (P < 0.05) egg loss and mammillary layer ratio. However, the TRT group almost kept all the indices close to the CON group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, hens fed with low inclusion levels of organic trace minerals had smaller mammillary knobs (P < 0.05) than those in the CON and ITM groups. In conclusion, hens fed with low inclusion levels of proteinated trace minerals had better performance and eggshell strength than those fed with identical levels of inorganic compounds; organic trace minerals improved eggshell quality by improving the eggshell ultrastructure of laying hens during the late laying period.

Influence of Dietary Copper Methionine Concentrations on Growth Performance, Digestibility of Nutrients, Serum Lipid Profiles, and Immune Defenses in Broilers

A 42-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary copper (Cu) concentrations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters in broilers aged from 1 to 42 days. Five hundred forty 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments: (1) control (basal diet without supplemental Cu), (2) 15 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu15), (3) 30 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu30), (4) 60 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu60), (5) 120 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu120), and (6) 240 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu240), Cu as copper methionine. A 4-day metabolism trial was conducted during the last week of the experiment feeding. The results showed that dietary Cu supplementation increased the average daily gain and the average daily feed intake (P < 0.01). The feed gain ratio, however, was not affected by dietary Cu (P > 0.10). Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation increased the digestibility of fat and energy (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). The activities of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05), and ceruloplasmin (P = 0.09), on the contrary, were increased by Cu addition. For immune indexes, dietary Cu supplementation increased serum IgA and IgM (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of serum ALT increased with increasing dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that Cu supplementation can increase fat digestibility and promote growth. Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation can reduce serum cholesterol and enhance antioxidant capacity in broilers.

Copper and Zinc Nutritional Issues for Agricultural Animal Production

Livestock have presented unique requirements and toxicity issues depending on the species for the various concentrations of Cu and Zn and their interactions with other nutrients especially Fe, Se, Mo, and S. Soil concentrations of these elements and their availability to crops influence the health of the crop and the amount found in vegetative tissues and seeds. Hence, many livestock issues are a result of the soils in the area where production is occurring (Loneragan et al. 1981). While water can provide minerals to animals, the amount consumed and availability are highly variable. Many discoveries about Cu were a result of low Cu concentrations and its availability due to interactions with other nutrients in the soils. Anemia, bone disorders, cardiovascular abnormalities, defective wool and hair, and infertility are signs/symptoms of Cu deficiency. Toxicity due to excess Cu is more likely to occur in sheep than other farm species. Swine are tolerant of high concentrations of dietary Cu, and it is often used as a growth stimulant in production. There are many species and physiological stages where the animal's Cu requirement is not known. Grazing animals can exhibit Zn deficiency when soils and forages contain limited concentrations of Zn. Pastures have been observed to be Zn-deficient in many parts of the world. However, non-ruminant animals usually receive adequate Zn when fed corn and soybean meal diets if there is not excessive Ca and Fe in their diets, but this is not true for rapidly growing young animals. Characteristics of a Zn deficiency include loss of appetite, reduced growth and reproduction, and impaired health of bone and skin tissues.