Response of Supplementary Sources and Levels of Copper in Diet on the Performance of Broiler Chickens

The response of broiler chickens to dietary supplemental copper sources and levels in terms of growth performance, serum cholesterol level and carcass yield of broiler chicks was studied in a 3×4 factorial design involving three copper sources (copper sulphate, CuS; copper chloride, CuCl and copper propionate, CuP) each at four dietary levels of copper (8, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) during starting (03 wk) and finishing (4–6 wk) phases. Each of the diets was offered ad libitum as mash to three replicated groups of 10 chicks each. Significantly (P<0.05) higher BW gain was observed in CuP than CuS group during 0–3 wks of age. The BW gain during 4–6 and 0–6 wks of age did not differ significantly due to dietary Cu sources. However, BW gain during 0–3 and 0–6 wk of age was significantly (P<0.05) higher with 200 mg Cu/kg diet than other dietary Cu levels. During 4–6 wk of age, the BW gain was significantly higher at 200 mg Cu/kg than that recorded at 150 mg Cu/kg diet. The feed intake during different growth phases did not differ (P>0.05) due to either main effect or interaction between copper sources and levels. The FCR during 4–6 and 0–6 wk was significantly (P<0.05) better in CuP supplemented diet than the other Cu sources. The FCR was also significantly (P<0.05) better at 200 mg/kg diet than at other dietary Cu levels during different growth phases. Serum cholesterol concentration was significantly (P<0.01) lower with 200 mg Cu/kg diet than other Cu levels. Significantly lower heart weight was observed in CuS supplemented group than other copper sources. Dressed weight and eviscerated weight was significantly higher at 150 and 200 mg Cu/kg diet than those recorded at other levels of copper in the diet. It is concluded that a dietary copper concentration of 200 mg/kg through supplementation of organic copper (copper propionate) in broiler diet is more effective in promoting growth, feed conversion efficiency, carcass yield and reducing serum cholesterol concentration.