Copper Sulphate as a Feed Additive to Bacon Pigs

Summary

Many investigations have shown that relatively high levels of Cu in the feed improve daily gain and feed conversion efficiency. In some cases a better health condition is also recorded. In Danish experiments carried out in 1973–74 the maximum level of Cu added to the feed mixture was 200 ppm in the form of sulphate (CuSO₄, 5H₂O). The results indicate that the optimum utilization appears to lie at a level of not much more than 125 ppm Cu. For the whole of the experimental period (20–90 kg live weight) the response to 125 ppm Cu amounted to an improvement of about 5% in the daily gain and feed conversion ratio. No significant response to added Cu could be recorded in the growth period from 50 to 90 kg of live weight. This is in agreement with results from experiments carried out in other countries where the most pronounced improvement has generally been obtained in the first part of the experimental period. On the whole, the health of the pigs in these experiments was very good, and no significant differences between groups could be stated.

The content of Cu in the liver was low and will not involve any consumer hazards. If a feed without or with a reduced addition of Cu is used during the finishing period the content of Cu in the liver will be further decreased. Such a procedure will moreover reduce costs and reduce the amount of Cu spread onto fields through the manure.