Effects of nanocopper on copper availability and nutrients digestibility, growth performance and serum traits of piglets

Copper is a microelement routinely added to facilitate the normal growth of pigs. Copper fed at 30 to 250 mg/kg is recognized for its growth enhancement effect, particularly in weaned pigs. Past studies have proved its effect in improving the growth performance of pigs due to its antibacterial properties. However, studies also showed that the addition of high levels of copper results in low digestibility and absorption, which causes increased excretion of this mineral in feces and poses an environmental problem. This study aimed to enhance the copper digestibility in pigs when it is used as a growth promotant by modifying the copper size into nanometer. It is hoped that by improving the absorption of copper in pigs, the fecal excretion levels could be reduced and minimize environmental pollution. Two experiments were performed to explore the effects of nanocopper supplementation on the serum traits of weanling pigs. Using crossover design, eight LYD growing pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, which are control, nanoCu and CuSO₄, to investigate the effect of nanoCu supplementation on the availability of copper and digestibility of nutrients in pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Another trial was conducted on thirty-six LYD weanling pigs to determine the effect of supplementing nanoCu on their growth performance and serum traits. For both trials, copper levels in nanoCu and CuSO₄ groups were supplemented at a ratio of 50 mg/kg. Experimental results indicated statistically significant improvements in growth performance of the piglets when copper was supplemented at nanosize. Copper availability was significantly improved and feces copper level was reduced in the nanoCu supplemented group, as compared to the CuSO₄ group. Significant differences were observed in the improvement of the digestibility of crude fat and energy in pigs under nanoCu diet. The serum copper level and serum cholesterol concentrations, as well as hematology traits— RBC, WBC, MCV, HGB, HCT, PLT and RDW, were not affected by nanoCu supplementation. However, statistically significant improvements were observed in the IgG, γ-globulin and total globulin protein levels, and in the SOD activity of the nanoCu group. In conclusion, nanosize copper supplementation was proven to reduce copper excretion level in piglets, improve the digestible energy and absorption of fat, and enhance the SOD activity in blood serum and the immunity level of piglets.