Effect of Dietary Levels of Copper Supplementation on Performance and Bioavailability of Minerals in Broiler Chicken

A feeding trial was conducted with 250 broiler chicks (Hubbard) up to 35 days of age to examine the effects of supplemental copper (Cu) at 0, 8, 32, 128 or 512 ppm on their performance and biological availability of trace minerals. Each experimental diet was offered ad lib 10 replicate groups of 5 chicks each in cages from 6 to 35 days of age. Dietary supplementation of Cu (CuSO₄) up to 128 ppm in the diet had no influence on body weight gain, ready to cook yield, liver and tibia weight at 5 weeks of age. However, Cu level at 512 ppm significantly depressed body weight gain and tibia weight than those at lower levels. Feed conversion efficiency and leg scores were similar, irrespective of the dietary level. Dietary increase of Cu from 0 to 512 ppm significantly enhanced Cu retention in tibia and liver tissues. Maximum Zn retention in bone and liver tissues was realized with Cu levels at 32 and 8 ppm, respectively, which declined significantly thereafter, indicating the antagonism of Cu over Zn bioavailability. Cu also depressed Mn uptake by bone at 8-ppm level. These results indicated that Cu at 512 ppm level was detrimental to broiler performance, weight of tibia and bioavailability of Zn and Mn in tissues at 5 weeks of age.