Effects of Copper Sulfate, Copper Oxide and Chlortetracycline on Baby Pig Performance

Abstract

Four levels of copper sulfate (0, 125, 250 and 375 ppm Cu as CuSO₄·5H₂O) were fed with each of two protein levels (16 and 22%). The gain and efficiency of feed conversion were improved by both the higher (22%) protein level and copper sulfate. Maximum gain and feed efficiency resulted from 250 ppm of copper. Hemoglobin concentrations were depressed with increased copper levels. There was no significant interaction between protein level and added copper sulfate. In the second experiment four levels (0, 125, 250, 375 ppm) of copper as copper oxide and one level (250 ppm) of copper as copper sulfate were compared. All levels of copper significantly improved feed conversion and rate of gain. Copper sulfate significantly depressed blood hemoglobin. Changes were observed in microflora patterns on the different treatments as measured by plate count techniques. The feeding of copper oxide resulted in small increases jn copper content of the tissues, whereas the feeding of copper sulfate resulted in marked increases in tissue copper content. Copper oxide (250 ppm Cu), copper sulfate (250 ppm Cu) and chlortetracycline (50 mg./lb.) significantly improved total gain as compared to the control ration. Copper sulfate significantly depressed the hemoglobin concentration. The fecal flora patterns were also altered by these ration supplements.