Effects of bis-chelated copper in growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens subject to coccidiosis vaccination or coccidia challenge

Copper (Cu) is widely used at high levels as growth promoter in poultry, the alternative source of Cu to replace the high level of inorganic Cu at poultry farm remains to be determined. Three floor pen experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Cu methionine hydroxy-analogue chelate (Cu-MHAC, MINTREX^®Cu, Novus International, Inc.) on growth performance and gut health in broilers in comparison to CuSO₄ and/or tribasic copper chloride (TBCC). There were 3 treatments in experiment#1 (0, 30 and 75 ppm Cu-MHAC) and experiment#2 (15 and 30 ppm Cu-MHAC, and 125 ppm CuSO₄), and 4 treatments in experiment #3 (15 and 30 ppm Cu-MHAC, 125 ppm CuSO₄ and 125 ppm TBCC) with nine replicates pens of 10-13 birds in each treatment. The levels of other minerals were equal among all treatments within each experiment. All birds were orally gavaged with a coccidiosis vaccine at 1x recommended dose on d0 in experiment#1 and #2 and 10x recommended dose on d15 in experiment #3. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, means were separated by Fisher's protected LSD test. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically different. In experiment #1, 30 and 75 ppm Cu-MHAC improved FCR during grower phase, increased jejunal villus height and reduced jejunal crypt depth, 30 ppm Cu-MHAC increased cecal Lactobacillus spp. abundance in 41 days broilers. In experiment #2, compared to CuSO₄, 15ppm Cu-MHAC increased cumulative performance index in 28 days broilers, 15 and/or 30 ppm Cu-MHAC improved gut morphometry, and 30 ppm Cu-MHAC reduced the abundance of E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae in cecum in 43 days broilers. In experiment #3, 15 ppm and 30 ppm Cu-MHAC improved FCR vs. CuSO₄ during starter phase, reduced the percentage of E. coli of total bacteria vs. TBCC, 30 ppm Cu-MHAC increased the percentages of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium cluster XIVa of total bacteria vs. both CuSO₄ and TBCC in the cecum of 27 days broilers. In summary, low doses of Cu-MHAC had comparable growth performance to high dose of TBCC and CuSO₄ while improving gut microflora and gut morphometry in broilers subject to coccidiosis vaccination or coccidia challenge, indicating that low doses of bis-chelated Cu could be used as a complimentary strategy to improve animal gut health.

A systematic review of metabolism of methionine sources in animals: One parameter does not convey a comprehensive story

The goal of this review article, based on a systematic literature search, is to critically assess the state of knowledge and experimental methodologies used to delineate the conversion and metabolism of the 2 methionine (Met) sources DL-methionine (DL-Met) and DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBa). The difference in the chemical structures of HMTBa and DL-Met indicates that these molecules are absorbed and metabolized differently in animals. This review explores the methodologies used to describe the 2-step enzymatic conversion of the 3 enantiomers (D-HMTBa, L-HMTBa and D-Met) to L-Met, as well as the site of conversion at the organ and tissue levels. Extensive work was published documenting the conversion of HMTBa and D-Met into L-Met and, consequently, the incorporation into protein using a variety of in vitro techniques, such as tissue homogenates, cell lines, primary cell lines, and everted gut sacs of individual tissues. These studies illustrated the role of the liver, kidney, and intestine in the conversion of Met precursors into L-Met. A combination of in vivo studies using stable isotopes and infusions provided evidence of the wide conversion of HMTBa to L-Met by all tissues and how some tissues are net users of HMTBa, whereas others are net secreters of L-Met derived from HMTBa. Conversion of D-Met to L-Met in organs other than the liver and kidney is poorly documented. The methodology cited in the literature to determine conversion efficiency ranged from measurements of urinary, fecal, and respiratory excretion to plasma concentration and tissue incorporation of isotopes after intraperitoneal and oral infusions. Differences observed between these methodologies reflect differences in the metabolism of Met sources rather than differences in conversion efficiency. The factors affecting conversion efficiency are explored in this paper and are mostly associated with extreme dietary conditions, such as noncommercial crystalline diets that are very deficient in total sulfur amino acids with respect to requirements. Implications in the diversion of the 2 Met sources toward transsulfuration over transmethylation pathways are discussed. The strengths and weaknesses of some methodologies used are discussed in this review. From this review, it can be concluded that due to the inherent differences in conversion and metabolism of the 2 Met sources, the experimental methodologies (e.g., selecting different organs at different time points or using diets severely deficient in Met and cysteine) can impact the conclusions of the study and may explain the apparent divergences of conclusion found in the literature. It is recommended when conducting studies or reviewing the literature to properly select the experimental models that allow for differences in how the 2 Met precursors are converted to L-Met and metabolized by the animal to enable a proper comparison of their bioefficacy.

Interactive effects of zinc and copper sources and phytase on growth performance, mineral digestibility, bone mineral concentrations, oxidative status, and gut morphology in nursery pigs

This study investigated the interactive effects of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) sources and phytase on growth performance, oxidative status, mineral digestibility, tissue mineral concentrations, and gut morphology in nursery pigs. A total of 288 weaning barrows [body weight (BW) = 5.71 ± 0.81 kg], blocked by initial BW, were randomly allotted to one of eight dietary treatments, with nine pens per treatment and four pigs per pen. The eight dietary treatments were arranged in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with two Zn sources [2,000, 2,000, and 100 mg/kg Zn from zinc oxide (ZnO) during phase 1 (days 1–14) and phase 2 (days 15–28), and phase 3 (days 29–42), respectively; 100 mg/kg Zn from zinc methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (Zn-MHAC) from phases 1 to 3], two Cu sources [150, 80, and 80 mg/kg Cu from copper sulfate (CuSO₄) or copper methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (Cu-MHAC) during phases 1–3, respectively], and two phytase inclusion levels (0 or 500 FTU/kg). Results showed that ZnO supplementation at 2,000 mg/kg Zn significantly increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.01) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.03) during phase 1 compared to Zn-MHAC group; however, Zn-MHAC supplementation tended (P = 0.06) to improve gain to feed ratio (G:F) during phase 2 compared to ZnO group. There were no differences (P > 0.10) between ZnO and Zn-MHAC groups in terms of ADG, ADFI, and G:F during the entire nursery period. Compared with CuSO₄, Cu-MHAC tended to increase ADG (P = 0.07) and G:F (P = 0.08) during the entire nursery period. Phytase supplementation significantly increased ADG (P < 0.01), ADFI (P < 0.01), and G:F (P < 0.01) during the entire nursery period compared with no phytase supplementation. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.01) between Zn source and phytase on standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P), whereas there was no interaction (P = 0.21) between Cu sources and phytase on STTD of P. However, there was a significant interaction between Cu sources and phytase on calcium (Ca; P = 0.02) and P (P = 0.03) concentrations in metacarpal bones and G:F in phase 2 (P = 0.09). Furthermore, pigs fed diets containing Zn-MHAC tended to have lower ileum villus width (P = 0.07), compared with those fed diets containing ZnO, and pigs fed diets containing Cu-MHAC tended to have lower plasma malondialdehyde concentration (P = 0.10) compared with those fed diets containing CuSO₄. In conclusion, under the conditions of the current study, ZnO supplementation at 2,000 mg/kg Zn was only effective in the first 2 wk postweaning, whereas Zn-MHAC supplementation at 100 mg/kg Zn could achieve better feed efficiency during phase 2 compared to pharmacological levels of ZnO, therefore, leading to no difference of growth performance in the entire nursery period. Low levels of Zn-MHAC may improve phytase efficacy on degrading phytate P compared to pharmacological levels of ZnO. Cu-MHAC may be more effective to promote growth compared to CuSO₄, which may be partially driven by reduced oxidative stress. Results also indicated that Cu-MHAC might exert a synergistic effect with phytase on improving feed efficiency and bone mineralization.

PSVI-21 Interactive effects of Zn sources, Cu sources and phytase on growth performance in nursery pigs

This study investigated the interactive effects of Zn sources, Cu sources and phytase on growth performance in nursery pigs. A total of 288 weaning barrows (BW = 5.71 ± 0.81 kg), blocked by initial body weight, were randomly allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments, with 9 pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. The 8 dietary treatments were arranged in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with 2 Zn sources [2000 ppm Zn from ZnO during phase 1 (d 1 to 14) and 2 (d 15 to 28), and 100 ppm Zn from ZnO during phase 3 (d 29 to 42); 100 ppm Zn from Zn methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (Zn-MHAC, MINTREX® Zn, Novus International Inc., St. Charles, MO) during phase 1 to 3], 2 Cu sources [150 ppm Cu from CuSO4 or Cu-MHAC (MINTREX® Cu) during phase 1, and 80 ppm Cu from CuSO4 or Cu-MHAC during phase 2 and 3], and 2 phytase inclusion levels (0, 500 FTU/kg). Results showed that there were no differences (P > 0.10) between ZnO and Zn-MHAC groups in terms of growth performance during the entire nursery period. Compared with CuSO4, Cu-MHAC tended to increase ADG (P = 0.07) and G:F (P = 0.08) during the entire nursery period. There tended to be an interaction (P = 0.09) between Cu sources and phytase on G:F during phase 2. Specifically, without phytase supplementation, there was no difference (P = 0.63) on G:F during phase 2 between Cu-MHAC and CuSO4, whereas with phytase supplementation, Cu-MHAC increased G:F during phase 2 (P = 0.05) compared with CuSO4. In conclusion, Zn-MHAC supplementation at 100 ppm could replace pharmacological level of ZnO without affecting growth performance. Cu-MHAC could improve growth performance compared with CuSO4. Cu-MHAC exerted synergistic effect with phytase on improving feed efficiency.

PSV-6 Assessment of lameness in gilts and barrows using gait score, force-plate, hoof hardness and hoof lesions

Lameness in gilts and sows has an economic impact on pig production and is a major welfare concern. The objective of the present project was to evaluate and quantify lameness in pigs. The following methods were compared to visual gait scoring: force-plate, hoof hardness and hoof lesions. Eight barrows and seven gilts (114 ± 15 kg) were selected using visual gait scoring (0-4, 4 most severe). From this group there were 4-0’s, 4-1’s, 5-2’s, and 2-3’s. Factorial analyses, (site: front vs rear) and lameness score (0-3) and their interaction was used to evaluate effect of treatment. Consistent with published literature, rear legs were more affected by lameness than front legs (73% rear, 27% front). Only two categories for hoof lesions (white line lesion and heel erosion) were prevalent in this population. White line lesion severity increased with increasing lameness score and differed between site (P < 0.05). In contrast with literature, more white line lesions were prevalent in front vs rear. Hoof hardness was scored at 5 locations on the bottom of the hoof. At the toe tip only, there was a trend (P = 0.052) for hoof hardness to decrease with increasing lameness score, but no effect of site (P = 0.39) or interaction. Among force-plate measurements, there was a significant effect of lameness (P < 0.05) for maximum force, range (95th percentile-5th percentile), standard deviation of force, amplitude of weight-bearing (average of all positive peaks), amplitude of weight-removing (average of all negative peaks), but no significant effect observed for average force, weight shift (# of peaks/min) or contralateral ratio. On average, more weight was applied to front vs rear [30.4 vs 19.6%; (P < 0.05)]. Although further validation is warranted, these results indicate that these objective measures of lameness were sensitive enough to detect differences between lame vs non-lame pigs.

Multitrial analysis of the effects of copper level and source on performance in nursery pigs

A multitrial analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of Cu from either Cu(2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid [HMTBa])2 or CuSO4 on growth performance in nursery pigs. Six nursery trials were conducted from 2007 to 2012 under the same commercial conditions with initial BW of 5.75 ± 0.41 kg at 21 ± 3 d of age; the trials lasted for 42 d with a 3-phase feeding program (7 d in Phase I, 14 d in Phase II, and 21 d in Phase III). Diets were medicated with antibiotics and supplemented with 3,000 mg/kg Zn as ZnO during phases I and/or II. Treatments included a basal diet without added Cu or according to the NRC (1998) and supplemental levels of Cu (50 to 250 mg Cu/kg diet) from either Cu(HMTBa)2 or CuSO4; HMTBa was supplemented to make diets isomethionine. Treatments from each trial included 6 or 9 replicate pens/treatment with 22 to 25 piglets/pen. Mixed model analysis was conducted in which trial was considered a random effect, Cu level was considered a continuous fixed effect, and Cu source was a fixed effect. The basal diet within trial and statistical tests of the intercept between sources were not different, resulting in fitting a common intercept mixed model to the overall responses across phases. Cumulative ADG and ADFI quadratically responded (P < 0.05) with increasing Cu supplementation; predicted optimal ADG and ADFI occurred at 174 and 119 mg/kg, respectively. Increasing Cu supplementation linearly improved G:F (P = 0.054). No differences between sources were observed in ADG or ADFI. Numerically, pigs fed Cu(HMTBa)2 had higher ADG and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed CuSO4, resulting in better G:F for pigs supplemented with Cu(HMTBa)2 compared to pigs supplemented with CuSO4 (P < 0.01). The linear slope for increasing Cu supplementation on G:F was 2.1-fold higher for Cu(HMTBa)2 than that of CuSO4, with larger differences occurring in Phase II. In conclusion, Cu supplementation in nursery diets resulted in improved performance and Cu(HMTBa)2 is more effective than CuSO4 in improving feed efficiency.

The role of supplementary dietary antioxidants on immune response in puppies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary antioxidants (AOX) and whey protein on the immune function health of puppies. Four groups of 10 puppies were fed a control and 3 different test foods (control + antioxidants (AOX), control + AOX + 1% whey protein, and a grocery brand (low AOX)) for 6 weeks. A standard vaccination protocol with a combination canine parvovirus (CPV) and distemper (CDV) vaccine was carried out at 2 and 4 weeks. The results showed that animals on high AOX foods had significantly increased titers, memory cells and serum E concentrations compared to the control and groc groups respectively.

[The severe burn from the viewpoint of the patient]

A patient reports a severe burn injury. At the time of the accident, the patient was 42 years old. He tells his story: how the accident occurred, the therapy following, and the long-drawn-out rehabilitation period of three years. He suffered a third-degree burn of 45% TBSA by a high-voltage arc. Injured were the upper extremities, the trunk, and both thighs.