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Effect of supplementation of copper in copper sulphate and Cu-glycine on fatty acid profile in meat of broiler chickens, cholesterol content and oxidation stability of fat
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An experiment was conducted to study the effect of a diet consisting of soybean, wheat and maize with 5% of rapeseed oil and different supplements of copper in the form of CuSO 4 .5H 2 O or bioplex on choles- terol content and fatty acid composition in breast meat of broiler cockerels. e experiment was conducted on 600 straight-run broiler cockerels randomly divided into 4 groups according to the type of diet: group I - control, no Cu supplement; experimental groups II - 35 mg Cu/kg and III - 175 mg Cu/kg in the form of CuSO 4 .5H 2 O; IV - 175 mg Cu/kg in the form of bioplex. Chickens were sacrificed at 42 days of age. No statistically significant differences were determined in productive parameters except for mortality that was lowest in group IV receiving copper in the Cu-glycine. Cu supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) cholesterol content by 24.9% in group IV (493 mg/kg) compared to the control group (656 mg/kg) and significantly decreased the concentration of polyenic fatty acids (PUFA) in groups III and IV (25.90 and 26.02%) in comparison with control group (27.73%) and group II (27.55%). e content of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) increased significantly in group II (27.01%) against the control group (25.41%). e contents of total monoenic fatty acids (MUFA) were significantly higher in groups III and IV (44.01% and 43.14%) than in group II (40.66%).
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... Bakalli et al. (1995), Pesti and Bakalli (1996), Bakalli and Pesti (1996), Ewing et al. (1998), Luo et al. (2005, Arias and Koutsos (2006), Lu et al. (2010) and Kim et al. (2011) have shown that feeding dietary Cu in excess of the basal level that satisfied the nutritional requirement (10 ppm) improved the growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of broilers. Others have also shown that supplemental copper has little or no effect on growth performance and feed utilization of boiler chickens (Chiou et al., 1999;Nys, 2001;Skrivan et al., 2002;Sevcikova et al., 2003;Waldroup et al., 2003;Blanks et al., 2004;Pang et al., 2009;Xiang-Qi et al., 2009;Karimi et al., 2011). Higher levels of supplementation (above 250 mg/kg) have even been reported to decrease weight gain and feed utilization (Xiang-Qi et al., 2009;Karimi et al., 2011). ...
... This suggests that copper may have growth promoting influence on broiler chickens. This finding was in agreement with those of Bakalli et al. (1995), Pesti and Bakalli (1996), Bakalli and Pesti (1996) Skrivan et al. (2002), Sevcikova et al. (2003), Waldroup et al. (2003), Blanks et al. (2004), Pang et al. (2009), Xiang-Qi et al. (2009 and Karimi et al. (2011), who found no positive effect of copper supplementation on broiler performance. In the present study, the capacity of the three sources of Cu to promote weight gain and feed conversion efficiency was not similar. ...
An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary sources of copper on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three dietary sources of copper (Cu) namely: copper sulphate (CuSO 4), copper oxide (CuO) and copper acetate were added to a corn-soy basal diet, which was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of broilers, at 150, 200 and 250 ppm. The control diet had no supplemental Cu. There were ten dietary treatment groups. One hundred and sixty ANAK 2000 broiler chicks were randomly divided into these treatment groups of 16 birds each. Each treatment group was further subdivided into four replicates of 4 birds per replicate. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 × 3 factorial arrangements of treatments and the trial lasted for 42 days, after a pre-trial period of 14 days. The final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds were determined on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, two birds per replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass quality traits. The average final body weight and body weight gain of the birds fed with Cu supplemented diets were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different from those fed with the control diet. The birds on Cu supplemented diets gained more body weight than birds on the control diet. Birds fed with 200 ppm Cu gained (P ≥ 0.05) more weight than those on other levels of inclusion. Although not significant (P ≥ 0.05), those birds fed with CuO gained more weight than birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. There was no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference in the average feed intake of birds fed Cu supplemented diets compared to the birds on the control diet. The FCR of the birds fed with supplemented diets was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than that of the birds on the control diet. Those birds fed with Cu supplemented diets utilized feed better than birds on the control diet. Among those fed with dietary Cu salts, those birds on CuO utilized feed better (P ≤ 0.05) than the birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. Dietary Cu supplementation had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effect on carcass quality traits determined. It can be concluded from this study that dietary copper supplementation up to 250 ppm from CuSO 4 , CuO and Cu acetate can substantially improve the growth performance and feed utilization of broilers.
... High supplementation of Cu (175 mg/kg) reduced PUFA and cholesterol levels and increased the level of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in breast meat of broilers (Sevcikova et al., 2003). Reduced levels of lipids and cholesterol in meat of broilers were observed by Skřivan et al. (2002), when supplementing 126 mg Cu /kg for a short period, during the first two weeks of rearing (35 mg/kg thereafter). ...
In the past, trace minerals have been inadequately considered by poultry nutritionists, as demonstrated by the scarce availability of literature. The practice of using high safety margins between requirements and dietary concentrations and the relative low cost of these essential minerals are possible reasons for this. Environmental considerations and regulations limiting trace mineral supply and improvements in analytical methods to detect putative contaminants in mineral sources have led to a need to a re-examination of trace mineral requirements. In addition, new knowledge regarding trace mineral roles in bone metabolism, anti-oxidant status, homeostatic regulation, product quality, immunology and the development of novel trace mineral sources have favoured, for the past 15 years, interests in optimising trace mineral nutrition considering other parameters than solely the bird performance. This review analyses the role of essential trace minerals (mainly Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, I, Se) in broiler and laying hen nutrition. This work aims to highlight the evaluation of trace mineral requirement, the bioavailability of trace mineral sources, especially in regards with phytate antagonism, and the main functions of trace minerals in egg, eggshell and meat quality. The impact of trace minerals on the environment (toxicity to plants and microorganisms) is considered and nutritional means to reduce the risk of environmental contamination will be explored. Finally, the possibilities of poultry product's enrichment in some trace minerals for the benefit of human health will be explored.
... Thus different techniques of cholesterol reduction in meat are used. In the tissues of living animals a lower cholesterol content is observed after forage supplementation with copper in the case of poultry [11] or with CLA in pigs [12]. Cholesterol reduction is also possible after slaughter using for example cholesterol-reducing bacteria (Eubacterium coprostanoligenes) in fermented meat products (sausages) [13] or by meat and fat replacement with plant-based components. ...
Meat and meat products are a good source of bioactive compounds with positive effect on human health such as vitamins, minerals, peptides or fatty acids. Growing food consumer awareness and intensified global meat producers competition puts pressure on creating new healthier meat products. In order to meet these expectations, producers use supplements with functional properties for animal diet and as direct additives for meat products. In the presented work seven groups of key functional constituents were chosen: (i) fatty acids; (ii) minerals; (iii) vitamins; (iv) plant antioxidants; (v) dietary fibers; (vi) probiotics and (vii) bioactive peptides. Each of them is discussed in term of their impact on human health as well as some quality attributes of the final products.
... Copper is regarded as a growth promoter in poultry aspect of breeding (Kim et al. 2011;Kwiecień and Winiarska-Mieczan 2011;Igbasan and Akinsanmi 2012), taking into account that the use of antibiotic as growth promoters has been prohibited by the European Union (Yegani and Korver 2010). Moreover, copper can reduce cholesterol in chicken tissues (Konjufca et al. 1997;Ševčíková et al. 2003). Igbasan et al. (2011) observed that dietary supplementation of Cu enhanced the oxidative stability of chicken meat. ...
To determine the influence of glycine-Cu chelates (Gly-Cu) on chemical composition and sensory characteristic of chickens meat, two hundred of Ross 308 broilers were fed diets containing 16 mg kg(-1) of copper sulfate (S-Cu; control group) or 16, 8 and 4 mg/kg of Cu-glycine chelate (Gly-Cu). The chemical composition was determined in crude and prepared (cooked and grilled) breast and thigh samples. No significant influence of Gly-Cu on the content of the protein, fat and ash in the breast meat was found. Substituting S-Cu with Gly-Cu at different doses in feed did not significantly modify the fatty acids profile of the meat. The breast meat from chickens administered with Gly-Cu contained significantly less cholesterol than that in S-Cu. No different effect of the experimental agent was observed regarding the content of Cu, Zn and Ca in the breast meat, while in chickens from all the groups administered Gly-Cu there was more significantly Fe (P < 0.01) in comparison with the S-Cu group. The thigh meat revealed significantly (P < 0.01) higher levels of Zn and Ca in comparison with the 16 mg S-Cu group. No significant effect of the diet on the sensory characteristics of the meat was observed.
The aim of this work is to measure the influence of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on growth performance, carcass traits, renal and hepatic indices, immunity, lipid profile, antioxidant status, blood minerals, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota in broilers. 300 unsexed one-week-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks in total were randomly assigned into 5 treatment groups of 60 chicks per eachwhich were divided into 5 replicates of 12 chicks. The 1st group (G1) was given basal diet (only); the 2nd group (G2), the 3rd group (G3), the 4th group (G4) and the 5th group (G5) were given basal diet treated with CuNPs at a rate of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg diet, respectively. The result revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.01) in performance paramters where the best values of body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were achieved at 15 mg/kg diet (CuNPs). Moreover, CuNPs supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) improved carcass traits specially carcass, dressing, giblets, and liver percentage, particularly at 15 mg/kg diet which revealed the best results. Furthermore, CuNPs supplementation at all tested levels increased the immune organ's weight (spleen and thymus). Plasma total protein and globulin were increased with CuNPs supplementation at levels 10 to 20 mg/kg diet. CuNPs supplementation (10–20 mg/kg diet) significantly improved liver and renal function by lowering the levels of AST, creatinine and uric acid. Moreover, CuNPs supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) improved lipid profile indicated by decreased the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as malondialdehyde (MDA). CuNP supplementation significantly improved broiler immunity indicated by increased IgA, IgM, complement (C3) and lysozyme, where CuNPs at 15 and 20 mg/kg diet revealed the best results. CuNPs supplementation increased reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as increased blood minerals (Cu, Fe, P, and Ca). Also, the digestive enzymes of broiler chicks treated with CuNPs significantly increased (P < 0.05), such as lipase, protease, and amylase enzymes. The findings revealed a significant elevation in total bacterial count (TBC) and lactic acid bacteria and significantly decreased total yeast and mold count (TYMC), E. coli, Salmonella and Coliform. In conclusion, CuNPs supplementation significantly improves performance, carcass yield, renal and hepatic indices, lipid profile, immunity, antioxidants, blood minerals, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota of broiler chicks.
This investigation was established to assess the effect of dietary different copper sources and levels supplementation on growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters and antioxidant activities of broiler chickens. Four hundred and twenty-one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 7 experimental treatment (n= 60 birds per each).At the end of the experiment, results obtained revealed that birds fed basal diet with inorganic or organic Cu had significantly (P < 0.05) better live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio, while feed intake was reduced comparison with control group. Chicks supplemented with organic CuNo3 significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance s compared with the other groups. Considerable reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in the group that fed diet with 125 mg / kg diet Cu in comparison with other diets. Plasma glutathione (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) were significantly enhanced with Cu-supplemented diets, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly declined in the experimental groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, Cu supplemented at level of 125 mg/ kg diet either copper nitrate or copper sulfate improved the productive performance, profile of lipid metabolism and oxidative response enzymes of broiler chickens. Broilers fed organic form of copper (copper nitrite) had better growth and immune response than those fed inorganic form of copper (copper sulfate) sulfate.
This investigation was established to assess the effect of dietary different copper sources and levels supplementation on growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters and antioxidant activities of broiler chickens. Four hundred and twenty-one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 7 experimental treatment (n= 60 birds per each).At the end of the experiment, results obtained revealed that birds fed basal diet with inorganic or organic Cu had significantly (P < 0.05) better live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio, while feed intake was reduced comparison with control group. Chicks supplemented with organic CuNo3 significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance s compared with the other groups. Considerable reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in the group that fed diet with 125 mg / kg diet Cu in comparison with other diets. Plasma glutathione (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) were significantly enhanced with Cu-supplemented diets, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly declined in the experimental groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, Cu supplemented at level of 125 mg/ kg diet either copper nitrate or copper sulfate improved the productive performance, profile of lipid metabolism and oxidative response enzymes of broiler chickens. Broilers fed organic form of copper (copper nitrite) had better growth and immune response than those fed inorganic form of copper (copper sulfate) sulfate.
This study aimed to compare the effect of Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates on the proximate composition, cholesterol levels, fatty-acid profile and dietary value of the thigh meat of broiler chickens. The experiment involved three hundred and fifty Ross 308 chickens divided into seven groups. The chickens were administered Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates in an amount corresponding to 50% of the requirement or 25% of the requirement for 42 days. It was found that the use of Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates did affect the fatty acid profile and dietary value of meat. A positive impact was most frequently (p < 0.05) noted in chickens receiving Zn chelate in an amount covering 50% of the requirement: the lowest levels of SFA and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, the highest content of PUFA n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic indices. Positive effects were more often recorded for chickens receiving Zn in an amount corresponding to 50% of the requirement. The results did not show that the use of Cu and Fe glycine chelates can reduce the dietary value of thigh meat in broiler chickens since, generally, the outcomes were not worse than those in the control group. It should be highlighted that due to ambiguous results, it is impossible to determine a dose of Cu and Fe glycine chelate which would be more efficient for broiler chickens. However, chickens receiving chelates in amounts corresponding to 25% of the requirement showed far better results.
The aim of the study was to determine the influence of Cu-glycine chelate on the chemical composition of the liverand blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allotted into 5 groups with 5 replicates of 10 birds each. Rearing of birds lasted 42 days. In the experiment Cu was added to the premix in the form of CuSO4 (16 mg, 8 mg Cu), and in the form of Cu glycine chelate (16 mg, 8 mg, 4 mg Cu). The parameters in the chickens’ blood remained within the range of physiological norms when lower levels of the analyzed elements were added. Adding lower levels of Cu (8 or 4 mg·kg-1) in comparison with the recommended doses (16 mg·kg-1) for broilers, in the form of highly assimilable organic sources, did not reduce the content of minerals Cu, Fe, and Zn in the chickens’ liver, but reduced the faecal Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations compared to CuSO4.
Six hundred day-old male Ross 208 chickens were fed on wheat/maize - soybean meal diet and divided into 4 groups. Chickens of the 1st and 2nd group were fed diets containing 13 and 35 mg Cu/kg, respectively. Chickens of the 3rd group were fed the feed with 126 mg Cu from the 1st to the 14th day of age, then the feed with 35 mg Cu/kg till the 41st day of age. Chickens of the 4th group were fed the former feed from the start to the end of the experiment. Copper was added to feed mixtures as CuSO4.5H2O. Higher concentrations of Cu significantly (P < 0.05) decreased weight gains (by 7.0 and 6.1% in the 3rd and the 4th group, respectively), and insignificantly reduced mortality of chickens (from 2.6 to 0.6-1.3%). Feed conversion was worse in chickens of the 3rd group than in other chickens (P < 0.05). In 8 chickens from each group lipids of breast muscles were analyzed. Total lipid and cholesterol concentration in breast muscles of chickens of the 3rd group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in control chickens by 30.3 and 20.2%, respectively. There was no important effect of Cu supplementation on the fatty acid profile of lipids of breast muscles, except minor changes in contents of some fatty acids. Thus the reduction of total muscle lipids and cholesterol content was the main effect of Cu supplementation in chickens.
The study was performed to compare the effects of dietary ground and whole flaxseed at various levels on laying performance of hens and the fatty acid composition of egg polk lipids. Therefore, a two-factorial experiment was carried out with 72 hens which were assigned to eight groups and were fed diets with 0, 5, 10, or 15% of full-fat flaxseed, either ground or whole. All the diets were formulated to be isocaloric (13.0 MJ MENN-corr. per kg) and isonitrogenic (17.5% crude protein). Dietary levels of ground and whole flaxseed up to 10% did not influence feed consumption, egg weight, egg production, and daily produced egg mass. Levels of 15% of flaxseed, however, increased the feed intake per kg egg mass. These findings suggest that flaxseed should be restricted to levels of 10% for layer diets. The fatty acid composition of egg yolk lipids was markedly influenced by dietary flaxseed. The main effect was a large elevation of the level of cc-linolenic acid, at the expense of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Highly unsaturated polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid were only slightly elevated by dietary flaxseed, and thus remained at a low level. The effects of flaxseed on the fatty acid composition of yolk lipids were slightly more pronounced by dietary ground flaxseed than by whole flaxseed. Levels of alpha-linolenic acid in yolk lipids caused by dietary levels of 5, 10 or 15% were 3.6, 8.0 and 11.7% for ground flaxseed and 2.8, 6.3 and 10.4% for whole flaxseed, respectively. This suggests that the fat fraction of ground flaxseed is slightly more intestinally available than that from whole flaxseed. As a consequence of the alterations of individual fatty acid levels, dietary flaxseed markedly reduced the ratio between n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased P/S ratio and double bond index of egg yolk fatty acids. Feeding diets with high amounts of flaxseed additionally increased the concentration of egg yolk total lipids slightly. These alterations are discussed with regard to the dietetic properties of eggs. In contrast to fatty acids, several parameters of egg quality such as height of air chamber and egg yolk, yolk color of raw and cooked egg, Haugh unit index and sensory traits were not influenced by dietary flaxseed.
The dependence of the content (Y) of total lipid, cholesterol and fifteen fatty acids (FA) in breast muscle (BM), thigh muscle (TM), and skin (S) on the growth intensity (live weight at 42 days, g × 102; X) was determined in 54 broiler chickens (ROSS 208) fed a commercial diet. Cholesterol was determined by the liquid chromatography and FA by the gas chromatography after total lipid extraction using a hexane/isopropanol mixture. Total lipid content (%) increased with the increasing growth intensity in BM (P < 0.05), TM (P < 0.01) and S (P < 0.01). Cholesterol content (mg/100 g) was influenced (P < 0.01) by the growth intensity only in S. However, cholesterol concentration in total lipid (%) decreased significantly (P < 0.01) both with the increasing live weight in BM (Y = 5.34 - 0.1368X, r =-0.45), TM (Y = 1.99 - 0.0512X, r = -0.46) or S (Y = 0.42 - 0.0099X, r = - 0.46), and also in the sequence BM (2.7%) > TM (1.0%) > S (0.2%). With the increasing growth intensity the content of C20:4n6 and C22:5n6 decreased in all tissues (P < 0.01). However, linoleic acid content did not change. On the other hand, with the significant (P < 0.05) increase of linolenic acid content, the content of any other n3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the increasing growth intensity of chickens. The PUFAn6/ PUFAn3 ratio decreased with the increasing live weight in BM (Y = 12.40 - 0.2480X, r = -0.30, P < 0.05), TM (Y = 23.17 - 0.5007X, r = -0.39, P < 0.01) and S (Y = 22.41 -0.5391X, r =-0.33, P < 0.05). This ratio was higher (P < 0.01) in TM and S (13.5 and 11.9, respectively) in comparison with BM (7.6).
This review summarizes the interest and the role of trace element factors favouring body weight or bone growth and the immune response in poultry. The aim is to analyse consequences of supplementation in diets at levels corresponding or higher than the growth requirement for optimising performance of broilers; especially as the use of high dietary levels of trace elements is currently questioned to protect the environment. Cu shows a slight growth promoting effect on chick growth when added at high concentrations, but Zn, Fe or Mn do not. However, such high dietary level can be deletenous for the environment in areas of intensive production. Zn, Se, Cu and Fe are essential elements for the immune system but there is no clear evidence that high dietary levels stimulate the immune response Infection and coccidiosis affect trace mineral metabolism and, therefore, may need nutritional adjustment. Ultra-trace element (Al, Se, Bo, Cd, Cr, F, I, Si, V..) can be of nutritional importance for chicks submitted to some nutritional stress or, when in excess, can be toxic.
An experiment was conducted to study the effects of high dietary copper supplementation on the gastrointestinal tract morphology of broiler chickens. Eighty 3-week-old broiler chicks were divided randomly into eight groups of four dietary treatments and over three week were fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets that contained 0, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg of supplemental copper from cupric sulfate. The copper supplementation in the broiler diet up to 250 mg/kg did not significantly influence broilers' performance. A high dietary copper supplementation of 500 mg/kg did significantly depress growth and feed conversion in the broilers (p<0.05). Copper supplementation more than 250 mg/kg in the broiler diet significantly influenced the morphology of the GI tract, as shown by severe oral lesions and gizzard erosion. It also significantly depressed the villi height and significantly thickened the muscular layer in the duodenum (p<0.05). The severely damaged villi were observed by scanning electronic microscope from the duodenum samples of broilers fed a 500 mg/kg copper supplemented diet. The 500 mg/kg copper supplemented diet also significantly influenced the plasma constituents. Plasma glucose concentration was significantly depressed (p<0.05).
Experiment 1 was carried out with 220 one-day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of 11 different levels of vitamin E supplementation (viz. 0 to 200 mg α-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) on the production performance of broilers and oxidative stability of frozen broiler carcasses. The diets with vitamin E levels of 0 to 100 mg were fed from day-old to 42 days of age, and the diets with vitamin E levels of 120 to 200 mg were fed from 21 to 42 days of age. The oxidative stability, evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was determined after 30, 90, 120 and 150 days of storage at –20 °C. There were no differences in weight gain (2.29 ± 0.397 kg) or feed conversion ratios (1.85 ± 0.111 kg feed/kg gain) between dietary treatments. TBARS values increased with increasing time of storage (basal diet: day 30 = 1.71 ± 0.51; day 150 = 4.89 ± 0.51), but decreased with increasing vitamin E levels (day 150: basal = 4.89 ± 0.51; 100 mg/kg = 1.09 ± 0.27). Experiment 2 was carried out with day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of five levels of vitamin E supplementation (viz. 0 to 160 mg α-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) on performance parameters and the oxidative stability of refrigerated carcasses. The experimental diets were fed from day-old to 42 days of age. Oxidative stability, evaluated by TBARS, colour deterioration and microbiological stability was determined after 0, 4, 8, 10 and 12 days of storage at 4 °C. Fatty acid analysis was done on samples obtained on days 0 and 12. There were no differences in total weight gain (2.37 ± 0.467 kg) or feed conversion ratio (1.88 ± 0.117 kg feed/kg gain) between dietary treatments. TBARS values increased with increasing storage time, but decreased with increasing vitamin E levels. There were no differences between treatments for colour measurements for L* (44.97 ± 0.662), a* (5.23 ± 0.315) or b* (12.76 ± 0.321) values. Microbiological counts increased over time, but dietary vitamin E concentration had no effect. There were no differences between dietary treatments for any of the groups of fatty acids measured (SFA: Day 0 = 26.1 ± 1.13 %, Day 12 = 26.1 ± 1.17 %; MUFA: Day 0 = 41.4 ± 1.46 %, Day 12 = 40.2 ± 2.28 %; PUFA: Day 0 = 32.4 ± 1.95 %, Day 12 = 33.8 ± 2.52 %). Similarly, fatty acid proportions did not change over time. There were no differences between dietary groups for mean muscle pH (6.01 ± 0.206).
An experiment was conducted to determine if pharmacological concentrations of copper (Cu) affect lipid and cholesterol metabolism in Cu-adequate pigs. Treatments consisted of: control (10 ppm Cu as cupric sulfate, CuSO4); control + 66 or 225 ppm Cu as CuSO4; control + 33, 66, or 100 ppm Cu as cupric citrate (CuCit). Pigs were fed their respective diets throughout the nursery (35 d) and growing-finishing (GF; 103 d) phases. Copper increased (P < .05) serum cholesterol during the nursery phase, but 100 ppm CuCit decreased (P < .05) serum cholesterol relative to the control on d 42 of the GF phase. Serum triglycerides were increased (P < .05) by 225 ppm CuSO4 relative to the control on d 42 of the GF phase. Percent lipid and cholesterol concentrations of the semitendinosus muscle were not affected by Cu. Lipid percentage of the longissimus muscle was decreased (P < .06) by 225 ppm CuSO4 compared to the control, but Cu did not affect cholesterol concentration or fatty acid profile. These results indicate that pharmacological concentrations of Cu have little effect on cholesterol and lipid metabolism in the Cu-adequate pig.