Copper Availability to Swine from Cu64 Labelled Inorganic Compounds

Abstract

Nine crossbred barrows were orally dosed with 2 millicuries of Cu⁶⁴ labelled cupric carbonate, cupric oxide, or cupric sulfate. In a second trial the same barrows received a different source of copper. There were no significant differences found in blood or plasma concentration or total fecal output of Cu⁶⁴. There was a greater (P<0.01) amount of copper carbonate excreted via the urine than of copper oxide or copper sulfate. The availabilities of the three forms of inorganic copper compounds for swine were similar.