Effects of Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Weight Gain and Hematological Parameters in Pre-weaning Calves

Abstract

Cow-calf operations may be affected by trace mineral deficiencies, particularly copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which may decrease the calf daily weight gain and alter hematological parameters. We evaluated the effect of Cu and Zn supplementation on pre-weaning calves (n = 40; 92 ± 6 kg initial body weight) from the Salado River basin, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Calves were divided into four groups (n = 10 each) and subcutaneously administered 0.3 mg/kg Cu (Cu group), 1 mg/kg Zn (Zn group), Cu and Zn together (Cu + Zn group), and sterile saline solution (control group) every 40 days for 120 days. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, hematological parameters, and weight were recorded every 40 days. A completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial treatment design was used and data were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures over time. Cu and Zn were detected in plasma after the second sampling. Cu × Zn interaction was significant (p = 0.09), being Cu concentration higher in the Cu + Zn than in the Cu group. Differences in weight gain (Zn × time interaction; p < 0.01) were observed in the Zn but not in the Cu group (p > 0.1). On the other hand, none of the treatments altered any of the hematological parameters assessed (p > 0.1). Our results show the risk of lower weight gain due to Zn deficiency in pre-weaning calves raised in the Salado River basin.

Effects of different types of zinc supplement on the growth, incidence of diarrhea, immune function, and rectal microbiota of newborn dairy calves

“…At present, 2 principal forms of zinc are used: inorganic zinc sources, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), and organic zinc sources, such as zinc methionine (Zn-Met). Zinc oxide, especially when administered at a high dose, promotes growth and immunity and reduces the incidence of diarrhea (Fairbrother et al, 2005;Pettigrew, 2006;Mattioli et al, 2018). Furthermore, some research has shown that an appropriate amount of ZnO increases the relative abundance of Escherichia coli (Bednorz et al, 2013) but decreases that of Lactobacillus in the gut of weaned piglets (Hojberg et al, 2005).…”

Zinc and Copper with New Triazine Hydrazone Ligand: Two Novel Organic Complexes Enhanced Expression of Peptide Growth Factors and Cytokine Genes in Weaned V-Line Rabbit

“…The liver, in particular, is the major storage organ of Cu and Zn, and the stored Cu is largely bound to the metallothionein in most species, which have the capacity to bind both physiological (such as zinc, copper, and selenium) and xenobiotic (such as cadmium, mercury, silver, and arsenic) heavy metals through the thiol group of its cysteine residues [44,45]. The blood biochemical variables of calves were improved under Zn and Cu administration [6,46].…”

“…Trace elements, especially copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), have vital structural or catalytic roles in many metal-binding proteins and metalloenzymes, which are important for immune system function, nutrient metabolism [1][2][3], and health in rabbits; in addition, they had proven significant antimicrobial effect [4][5][6]. Pharmacological amounts of Zn and Cu, either incorporated into the diet or injected into the body, enhanced the growth performance of rabbits, particularly after/during the weaning stage [7].…”

Sex-dependent effect of sublethal copper concentrations on de novo cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes and their possible links to variations in cholesterol and amyloid precursor protein levels in neuronal membranes

“…Western blot samples were also used to assess intracellular Cu concentration, following established procedures [ 32 ]. In brief, the samples underwent acid digestion using a 3:1 mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid.…”