Peculiarities of Mineral Metabolism of Holstein Heifers’ Diet Supplemented with Copper Nanopowders

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of copper nanopowder on physiological and mineral metabolism indicators of Holstein cattle during the growth process of the animal. There were two experimental groups (control and treatment) and each one included seven Holstein heifers. From the first month of each heifer in the experimental group, a suspension of copper nanoparticles in a dose of 0.04 mg/kg was orally administered daily to the usual diet. The biologically active additive was administered to the animal’s diet at intervals. The weight of the animals was measured monthly, a clinical blood test was performed, the mineral composition of the blood was studied, the mineral composition of animal hair was also examined. The findings indicated a positive dynamics in the increase of body weight in the treatment group, compared to the control group. As a result of clinical blood tests, it was noted that the number of erythrocytes, the level of hemoglobin, and hematocrit increased in the experimental animals due to copper nanoparticles compared to these parameters in these animals at the beginning of the tests. Mineral analysis of blood samples in the treatment group presented an increase in the levels of copper, potassium, iron, zinc, and manganese while in animals of the control groups there was an increase in sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. According to the blood serum and hair analysis, copper in the nanodispersed state indicated antagonistic effects on boron, silicon, antimony, molybdenum of the treatment group and there was a synergist in aluminum, titanium, manganese, cobalt, iron, and potassium levels compared to the beginning of the experiment. The obtained results indicated that the addition of copper nanopowder to the diet of experimental animals increased the growth, stimulated the function of hematopoiesis, and improved the characteristics of mineral metabolism of the Holstein heifers.