Copper bioavailability, mineral utilization, and lipid metabolism in broilers

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of copper (Cu) sources and levels on mineral utilization, tissue copper residues, and lipid metabolism in Arbor Acres broilers. A total of 640 male broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 8 replicates per group and 16 broilers per replicate. The experiment was used in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial experiment design. Broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, and animals in the other four groups were fed basal diets supplemented with Cu from copper sulphate and copper methionine. Copper concentrations of the experimental diets were 20 and 40 mg Cu/kg dry matter. A metabolism trial of 4 days was conducted during the last week of experimental feeding. Neither Cu source nor Cu level affected average daily gain, average daily feed intake or feed gain ratio (P > 0.05). Broilers fed 40 mg Cu/kg diets had lower plasma cholesterol than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Copper supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but did not alter plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations or plasma triglyceride concentrations. Copper sulphate supplementation increased (P < 0.05) liver Cu but did not alter pectorals Cu, heart Cu, tibia Cu and tibia P. Broilers fed 40 mg/kg Cu from copper sulphate had a lower (P < 0.05) tibia Ca level. The concentration of liver Cu in the broilers fed copper methionine diets was higher (P < 0.05) than that in those fed copper sulphate. Compared with copper sulphate (100%), the relative bioavailability value of copper methionine was 117%. In conclusion, the relative bioavailability of copper methionine obtained in this study was greater than that of copper sulphate. Copper plays an important role in plasma lipids and in the digestion of dietary Ca in broiler chickens.