Copper bioavailability, blood parameters, and nutrient balance in mink.

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Trace Mineral Metabolism

Background:

• Copper is an essential trace element vital for various physiological functions in mink.
• Understanding the bioavailability of different copper sources is crucial for optimizing animal diets and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different copper sources (copper sulfate, TBCC, CuMet) on plasma metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and mineral balance in male mink.
• To determine the relative copper bioavailability from these sources.
• To assess the impact of varying copper doses on physiological parameters.

Main Methods:

• A 3x3+1 factorial experiment using a completely randomized design with male mink.
• Supplementation with copper sulfate, TBCC, or CuMet at 50, 100, and 150 mg Cu/kg DM.
• Analysis of plasma metabolites, hematology, liver mineral concentrations, and nutrient digestibility via a metabolism trial.

Main Results:

• A linear dose-dependent effect of copper on plasma copper, ceruloplasmin, and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activity was observed.
• Fat digestibility showed a linear response to supplemental copper dose.
• Liver copper concentrations were higher with TBCC and CuMet compared to copper sulfate.
• Relative bioavailability: CuMet (130% based on serum ceruloplasmin, 111% on liver copper) and TBCC (104%) were superior to copper sulfate (100%).

Conclusions:

• Copper methionine and TBCC are more bioavailable sources of copper for mink than copper sulfate.
• Dietary copper dose significantly influences key metabolic indicators and fat digestion in mink.