Revision of the currently authorised maximum copper content in complete feed

Abstract

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) reviewed (i) the copper requirements of food-producing and pet animals, (ii) the copper concentration in feed materials and complete feed, (iii) the copper bioavailability, and (iv) the calculated background copper concentration of complete feed. Also considered were (i) the influence of dietary copper on gut microbiota profile and on the bacterial antibiotic resistance in target animals and (ii) the environmental occurrence of bacterial heavy metal tolerance (copper resistance) and resistance to certain antibiotics. The data collected supported the possibility of a reduction in some of the currently authorised maximum contents (CAMC) for total copper in feed. The EFSA Panel developed an algorithm to derive newly proposed maximum contents (NPMC) from the requirement and the native dietary copper content. The NPMC (mg Cu/kg complete feed) comprised of maintained (m), decreased (d) and increased (i) values: 15 for bovine before the start of rumination (m), 30 for other bovine (d), 35 for caprine (i), 15 for ovine (m), 50 for crustacean (m) and 25 for other animal species ((d) for piglets up to 12 weeks, (m) for all other species). The NMPC support health, welfare and economic productivity of target animals, except piglets; performance of weaned piglets would be impacted. The NPMC values would not likely have any consequences on the consumers' intake of copper and are of no concern for the safety of the consumer. The reduction from 170 mg to 25 mg Cu/kg feed piglets would have the capacity to save 1,200 tonnes copper/year being spread in the field and thus, to reduce total copper emissions from farm animal production by about 20%. Thus, the reduction of the CAMC to the NPMC would have a significant impact on the concentrations of copper in the environment of piggeries.

Effect of Selenium Incorporated in Feed on the Hematological Profile of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

“…No significant variations were observed in the level of hemoglobin and level of red blood cells in trout fed on different levels of selenium supplemented in diets (0.6, 6.6 and 11.4ug Se/g). Dimanov et al [47] revealed that selenium supplemented feed (0.03 to 0.5 mg/g) improved hematocrit level in fingerlings of tilapia from 18-41%.…”

Safety and efficacy of iron dextran as a feed additive for piglets

“…More details can be found in the FEEDAP opinions on iron (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016a), zinc (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2014c) and copper (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016b). However, these interactions are not expected to be of concern considering the conditions of use where only milk from the sow is consumed, except calcium which is known to decrease iron absorption.…”

Growth rate, metabolic parameters and carcass quality in turkeys fed diets with different inclusion levels and sources of supplemental copper

“…In the present experiment, supplemental Cu doses of 2, 10 and 20 mg/kg increased the total Cu content of turkey diets to approximately 14, 21 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. The above values were lower, similar and higher, respectively, than the inclusion rate of 25 mg/kg recommended for poultry diets in the EU (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016). The difference between the total Cu content in diets and supplemental Cu doses indicates that the major feed ingredients supplied approximately 11 mg/kg Cu in total.…”

“…According to European Commission (2003), the dietary inclusion levels of available Cu from organic sources can be lower (up to 20 mg Cu/kg of feed), and the total Cu content in animal diets should not exceed 35 mg/kg. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016) has recently published the newly proposed maximum content (NPMC) of Cu in complete feeds for target animals. The NPMC for poultry, including turkeys for fattening, was set at 25 mg/kg.…”