Effect of copper nanoparticles on the mineral content of tissues and droppings, and growth of chickens

Ewa Sawosz, Monika Łukasiewicz, Andrzej Łozicki, Malwina Sosnowska, Sławomir Jaworski, Jan Niemiec, Abdullah Scott, Jan Jankowski, Damian Józefiak, André Chwalibog*

*Corresponding author for this work
    9 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We hypothesised that copper nanoparticles (NanoCu), because of their high physicochemical reactivity and bioavailability, could be used in much smaller quantities than bulk Cu, consequently reducing excretion of Cu into the environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of NanoCu on the development and growth of broiler chickens, in order to establish an optimum level of NanoCu dietary supplementation. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups of 10 birds each. The control group received 7.5 mg Cu/kg feed (standard level) as CuSO4, while groups fed with complexes of NanoCu and starch received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the standard level of Cu used in the control group. Chicken growth and excretion of Cu, Fe and Zn were measured during the growth period from d 7 to 42. At d 42, the slaughter characteristics, the content of Cu, Fe and Zn in the breast muscle and liver, and the oxidative status were analysed. The results indicate that using NanoCu can reduce the standard level of Cu from CuSO4 supplementation by 75% without jeopardising animal growth, and at the same time significantly decreasing Cu excretion into the environment.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalArchives of Animal Nutrition
    Volume72
    Issue number5
    Pages (from-to)396-406
    ISSN1745-039X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 3 Sept 2018

    Keywords

    • body content
    • Chicken
    • copper
    • copper excretion
    • nanoparticles

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