Bioavailability of copper from copper glycinate in steers fed high dietary sulfur and molybdenum1,2

Abstract

Sixty Angus (n = 29) and Angus-Sim-mental cross (n = 31) steers, averaging 9 mo of age and 277 kg of initial BW, were used in a 148-d study to determine the bioavailability of copper glycinate (CuGly) relative to feed-grade copper sulfate (CuSO(4)) when supplemented to diets high in S and Mo. Steers were blocked by weight within breed and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) control (no supplemental Cu), 2) 5 mg of Cu/kg of DM from CuSO(4), 3) 10 mg of Cu/kg of DM from CuSO(4), 4) 5 mg of Cu/kg of DM from CuGly, and 5) 10 mg of Cu/kg of DM from CuGly. Steers were individually fed a corn silage-based diet (analyzed 8.2 mg of Cu/kg of DM), and supplemented with 2 mg of Mo/kg of diet DM and 0.15% S for 120 d (phase 1). Steers were then supplemented with 6 mg of Mo/kg of diet DM and 0.15% S for an additional 28 d (phase 2). Average daily gain and G:F were improved by Cu supplementation regardless of source (P = 0.01). Final ceruloplasmin, plasma Cu, and liver Cu values were greater (P < 0.05) in steers fed supplemental Cu compared with controls. Plasma Cu, liver Cu, and ceruloplasmin values were greater (P < 0.05) in steers supplemented with 10 mg of Cu/kg of DM vs. those supplemented with 5 mg of Cu/kg of DM. Based on multiple linear regression of final plasma Cu, liver Cu, and ceruloplasmin values on dietary Cu intake in phase 1 (2 mg of Mo/kg of DM), bioavailability of Cu from CuGly relative to CuSO(4) (100%) was 140 (P = 0.10), 131 (P = 0.12), and 140% (P = 0.01), respectively. Relative bio-availability of Cu from CuGly was greater than from CuSO(4) (P = 0.01; 144, 150, and 157%, based on plasma Cu, liver Cu, and ceruloplasmin, respectively) after supplementation of 6 mg of Mo/kg of DM for 28 d. Results of this study suggest that Cu from CuGly may be more available than CuSO(4) when supplemented to diets high in S and Mo.

Effects of Different Copper Sources and Levels on Plasma Superoxide Dismutase, Lipid Peroxidation, and Copper Status of Lambs

“…It is suggested that Cu supplementation increased Cu status in sheep. This is in agreement with findings in steers [16][17][18]. The higher plasma Cu concentrations with Cu supplementation in the present study are consistent with previous findings in Inner Mongolian White Cashmere goats [19] and steers [20].…”

“…In contrast, Eckert et al [28] reported that plasma ceruloplasmin activity in ewes was not affected by supplemental Cu. Cu status affected by Cu level (10 or 20 mg/kg) in the present study is consistent with previous results of Hansen et al [17], who observed that plasma ceruloplasmin, plasma, and liver Cu values were greater in steers supplemented with 10 mg Cu/kg DM than in those supplemented with 5 mg Cu/kg DM.…”

Diagnostic value of copper parameters to predict growth of suckling calves grazing native range in Argentina

“…This area has 5.5 million cattle, being beef calf breeding the main activity. Production is extensive and it is sustained by natural pastures characterized by low level of Cu and excessive concentrations of iron (Fe), sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo), which reduces the available Cu (Mattioli 1998, Hansen et al 2008. These conditions are aggravated in association with flooded soils which increase the incidence and severity of illness (Ramirez et al 1998).…”

Application of Acute Phase Proteins for Monitoring Inflammatory States in Cattle

“…They found that 10 mg of Cu/kg of DM increased plasma and liver Cu, and concentration of Cp compared with steers supplemented with 5 mg of Cu/kg of DM. In addition, the same study demonstrated that feeding steers copper glycinate was associated with greater plasma Cp than with copper sulfate (19.0 vs. 14.6 µg/mL) (Hansen et al, 2008).…”

“…Under normal circumstances the hepatic Cu pool is not rate-limiting for holo-Cp synthesis, as concentration of Cp in the serum concentration increases rapidly during infection, trauma, and pregnancy while the ratio of apo-to holo-Cp is maintained (Matsuda et al, 1974). The basal oxidase activity of Cp in the plasma of female Angus calves, Holstein dairy cows, and steers (Angus and Angus x Simmental) was estimated at 1.31, 60, and 21.9 µg/mL, respectively (Cerone et al, 2000, Hansen et al, 2008, Nazifi et al, 2009; whereas the basal concentration of Cu was approximately 0.75 and 1.14 µg/mL in calves and steers, respectively (Cerone et al, 2000, Hansen et al, 2008. A recent study of Hussein et al (2011) reported concentrations of Cp in the serum of dairy cows during different stages of lactation (3-1 wk prepartum; 0-1 wk; 3-5 wk, and 15-18 wk postpartum) and showed greater concentration during 0-1 wk postpartum.…”