EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL NANO VS. CONVENTIONAL COPPER SOURCES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS

Document Type : Original Article

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Animal Production Research Institute, ARC, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the response to some forms of copper on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, some blood and histological parameters as well as economical evaluation. A total number of ninety- six NZW weaning rabbits, of 5 weeks old and weighing 634 g ±6.6 were randomly distributed into 4 similar groups (24 each). The first group (T1) was fed the control diet (5 mg Cu/kg diet), while, the other 3 groups (T2, T3 and T4) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50mg Cu/kg diet as nano copper (Cu-nano), 200 mg Cu/kg diet as copper sulfate (Cu-SO4) or 200 mg Cu/kg diet as copper methionine (Cu-meth), respectively. The experimental period was lasted up to the 13th week of age. Results indicate that feeding rabbits a diet containing Cu-nano (50 mg Cu/kg diet) achieved the best growth performance compared to other copper forms and the control. The improvements were in terms of the highest live weight gain, least feed intake, best feed conversion ratio, performance index and reduced mortality. A corresponding significant improvements in carcass meat parts and nutrient digestibilities of dry matter %, organic matter %, crude protein % and digestible crude protein % were also recorded for the Cu-nano treatment. The digestibility of crude fiber, ether extract and nitrogen free extract as well as total digestible nutrients and digestible energy did not affected significantly by different cu-sources incorporated in dietary treatments. Sanitary status as reflected by liver and kidney histopathology revealed that the nano form is safe and reliable copper source in growing rabbit diets. Economically, the diet formulated with Cu-nano particles seemed to be performed the best one among all experimented Cu forms.
In conclusion, supplementing NZW rabbit's diet with 50 mg Cu /kg diet as Cu-nano significantly improved growth performance, carcass traits, digestibility of crude and digestible protein, blood constituents and economical efficiency without any adverse effect on liver and kidneys histology.
 
 

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