Nanostructured copper as an alternative source to copper sulphateas a growth promoter for nursery piglets

Abstract

Antimicrobial feed additives are commonly used in swine production to improve pig health and performance, but their use can contribute to the development of bacterial resistance. In this sense, new nutritional technologies that promote animal health and productivity without compromising bacterial susceptibility must be evaluated. This study aimed to assess the effects of nanostructured copper as a growth promoter for piglets in the nursery phase. A total of 135 piglets at 28 days of age were distributed in a randomized block design (sex and initial weight) and assigned to five dietary treatments: negative control (without growth promoters); positive control (200 mg/kg copper sulfate inclusion); and three diets with different nanostructured copper inclusions (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of the diet). Body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were used to characterize piglet performance in the nursery phase. Daily fecal scores were used to describe the prevalence of enteric disorders, and economic analysis was used as a parameter of the financial viability of nanostructured copper supplementation for weaned piglets. After seven days of the experiment, the negative control group pigs had 7.75% greater BW (P<0.05) than the copper sulfate group pigs. From day 21 to 42 of the experiment, the copper sulfate group animals had a greater ADFI (P<0.05) than all other experimental groups. For the average fecal score, pigs fed the 20 mg/kg nanostructured copper inclusion had a 13 percent higher score (P<0.05) than the copper sulfate group, indicating a greater incidence of diarrhea. Therefore, at the evaluated dietary concentrations, nanostructured copper was ineffective in improving piglet performance in the nursery phase.