Effects of dietary copper on organ indexes, tissular Cu, Zn and Fe deposition and fur quality of growing-furring male mink (Mustela vison)

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study the effects of different levels of dietary copper on organ indexes, tissular Cu, Zn and Fe deposition and fur quality of mink in the growing-furring periods. One hundred and five standard dark male mink were randomly assigned to seven groups with the following dietary treatments: basal diet with no supplemental Cu (Control); basal diet supplemented with either 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 192 mg/kg Cu from copper sulphate, respectively. The colour intensity scores displayed a linear trend (P = 0.057). The spleen Cu concentrations responded in a linear (P < 0.05) fashion with increasing level of Cu, but copper supplementation did not affect speen concentrations of Fe or Zn. Supplemental dose of Cu linearly increased (P < 0.05) liver Cu and Fe concentrations but did not alter (P > 0.10) liver Zn. Our results indicate that Cu plays an important role in the pigmentation in growing-furring mink, and supplemental dietary Cu in growing-furring mink improve hair colour, and copper has limited effects on liver mineral deposition.

Effects of sources and concentrations of zinc on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fur quality of growing–furring female mink (Mustela vison)1

“…Although fur quality of fur-bearing animal is affected by many factors, mineral levels in the diet play a vital role. Other studies (Wu et al, 2014a(Wu et al, , 2015aLiu et al, 2016) have indicated supplementation with minerals such as Cu and Zn supplementation could improve the fur quality of mink and foxes. In the present study, there is was difference in guard hair length and underfur length among Zn treatments, suggesting that Zn concentration in the basal diet is sufficient for fur maturation in mink.…”

Mineral Composition of Dry Dog Foods: Impact on Nutrition and Potential Toxicity

“…Copper is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin through its interaction with Fe, facilitating its intestinal absorption, release, and cellular utilization . It also participates in connective tissue formation, free radical removal, as well as hair production and pigmentation . Manganese is required for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides through the polymerase and galacto-transferase enzymes and it is a component of arginase, pyruvate carboxylase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase .…”

“…4 It also participates in connective tissue formation, free radical removal, as well as hair production and pigmentation. 5 Manganese is required for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides through the polymerase and galactotransferase enzymes and it is a component of arginase, pyruvate carboxylase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. 6 Zinc is a constituent of hundreds of metalloenzymes, being involved in several functions, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, cell replication and differentiation stabilization of DNA, RNA, and ribosomes, immune response, skin function, and wound healing.…”