Effect of Antagonistic Minerals (Fe, S and Zn) on Absorption and Metabolism of Cu by Sheep Fed Poultry Waste

To examine effects of feeding higher levels of minerals antagonistic to Cu (S, Fe and Zn) on production and digestibility of Cu of hair sheep fed a diet based on poultry waste (poultry manure) containing over 90 ppm Cu for 90 d, eight diets were fed to thirty-two male Pelibuey sheep. The diets contained each of the three minerals (Fe, S and Zn) at two levels, 647 mg/kg, 0.39% and 216 mg/kg; versus 833 mg/kg, 0.42% and 772 mg/kg, respectively in a 2x2x2 factorial design. Animal productivity as well as Cu content of liver and kidney were not affected by the treatments. High levels of Fe reduced (P<0.05) Cu digestibility. The ceruloplasmin activity during the experiment also was reduced by the addition of S or Fe plus Zn. Results indicate that supplementation with S or Fe plus Zn may delay Cu intoxication of sheep consuming diets containing excess Cu.