Micronutrients, such as copper (Cu), account for a very small portion of pig diets. Yet Cu source can have a sizable impact on grow-finish performance. Differences exist between differing forms of Cu such as Cu sulfate, basic Cu chloride (BCC) and organic sources of Cu. Yet within Cu form, few studies have looked to establish differences. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate differences in grow-finish performance between two sources of BCC, IntelliBond C and another hydroxy chloride mineral (OHTM) BCC in the presence of a Cu sulfate control diet.

Pigs from second parity sows at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Tidewater Research Station (Plymouth, NC) were used. Sows were Landrace x Large White composites mated to Smithfield Premium Genetics’ Duroc boars. Hence, pigs were 50% Duroc and 50% whiteline. At weaning, piglets were vaccinated for PCV2 and Ileitis and placed in a nursery. At completion of the nursery phase, gilts and barrows (n=1,053) were randomly allocated within sex to one of 117 finishing pens (9 pigs per pen, 7.45 ft² per pig). Treatments included a control (15 ppm), IntelliBond C (fed at 150 ppm Cu) and an OHTM Cu (fed at 150 ppm Cu). Treatments were fed from weaning to market and finisher entry to market in replicates 1 and 2, respectively. Housing consisted of fully slatted floors and natural ventilation. Animals were transported to a harvest facility and carcass weights collected. Data was analyzed in SAS using PROC GLM. Traits included pig weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed efficiency, variation in body weight, carcass weight and yield. Replicate, barn location, sex and diet were included in statistical models. Pen was the experimental unit. Results from the study are shown in Table 1.

Both sources of BCC outperformed the Cu sulfate control diet, both having increased average daily gain driven by increased average daily feed intake. Yet pigs fed IntelliBond C had significantly greater (P=0.01) average daily gain when compared those fed the OHTM Cu. The enhanced growth of IntelliBond C was driven by numerically greater average daily feed intake and improved feed efficiency. The improved gain resulted in a higher body weight at marketing and persisted in a higher hot carcass weight for basic copper chloride sources compared to Cu sulfate and for IntelliBond C compared to OHTM Cu (P<0.05). 

How is it possible for two sources of BCC to differ? While we are not sure we fully understand the underlying biology, the processes by which IntelliBond C and the OHTM copper chloride are manufactured differ. Taken together, results suggest BCC enhances finishing throughput and that performance differences exist between BCC sources.  

Sources: Mark Knauer, Chris van de Ligt, North Carolina State University, Micronutrients, who are solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly own the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.