Effect of supplementation of copper on nutrient utilization by black Bengal kids

A 90 day trial was conducted on fifteen 3–4 month old healthy black Bengal kids to study the effects of supplementation of different forms of Cu (CuSO₄ or Cu-proteinate) on nutrient utilization and growth performance. The animals divided in three equal groups were offered either the basal diet (C); basal diet supplemented with 10 ppm CuSO₄(CS) or 10 ppm Cu-proteinate (CPr). The digestibility of nutrients, N retention and nutritive value were improved significantly (P<0.05) when the diet was supplemented with Cu. The daily live weight gain was improved (P<0.05), when the diet was supplemented with Cu-proteinate rather than CuSO₄ as compared to those fed basal diet. Although the supplementation of Cu increased (P<0.05) plasma total protein level from 60^th day onward till the end of experiment, but the plasma albumin, globulin and albumimglobulin ratio was not affected by the treatment. This study inferred that dietary supplementation of Cu can improve nutrient utilization and performance of kids, Cu-proteinate was more effective than CuSO₄.