This study was conducted to assess the effects of organic and inorganic copper on performance in growing pigs. A total of 100 pigs, average age 63 d and initial body weight 21.46±1.13 kg, were assigned to five treatment groups. Dietary treatments included i) CON (basal diet, 0 ppm Cu), ii) T1 (basal diet with 67 ppm Cu as cupric sulfate, CuSO 4 ), iii) T2 (basal diet with 134 ppm Cu as CuSO 4 ), iv) T3 (basal diet with 67 ppm Cu as cupric methionate, CuMet) and v) T4 (basal diet with 134 ppm Cu as CuMet). Throughout the entire experimental period, ADG (average daily gain), ADFI (average daily feed intake) and G/F (gain: feed) ratios showed no significant differences. The dry matter digestibility was improved in the T1, T2, T3, and T4 treatments (p<0.05), as compared with CON. Nitrogen digestibility was improved in the T3 treatment group as compared with CON (p<0.05). As compared with the T1 treatment group, fecal pH values were improved in the CON, T3, and T4 treatment groups (p<0.05). Fecal Cu concentrations were significantly lower in the CON, T3, and T4 treatment groups than in T1 and T2 (p<0.05). The incidence of diarrhea was reduced when the pigs were fed on the T2, T3, and T4 diets as compared with CON. In conclusion, diets supplemented with 67 or 134 ppm Cu as CuMet may prove effective in improving nutrient digestibility and fecal pH value in growing pigs, and fecal Cu concentrations may be reduced by CuMet supplementation.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.