Effects of inorganic and nano copper supplementation on haematology, blood biochemical and plasma mineral status in growing cattle

Effect of inorganic and nano copper supplementation on growth performance, haematology, blood biochemical and plasma mineral status in growing Sahiwal heifers was studied. Animals (24) were randomly allocated into four groups having six animals in each and fed for 120 days. Feeding regimen was similar in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0 mg copper, 10 mg inorganic copper, 5 and 10 mg of nano copper per kg DM in four respective groups. Nutrient requirements were met by feeding concentrate mixture, berseem and wheat straw. Feed intake and growth performance were similar in all groups. In Cu supplemented groups, Hb content, PCV and RBCs count was higher than non-supplemented group. Dietary supplementation of Cu did not exert any effect on biomarkers of energy and lipid mobilization, i.e. plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids and beta hydroxyl butyrate concentration. There were no significant effect of treatment on plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in all four groups. Alkaline phosphate was lower in Cu supplemented groups but AST, ALT and bilirubin values were similar in all the groups. Plasma Cu levels were higher in Cu supplemented groups than non-supplemented group. There were no changes in plasma levels of Ca, P, Zn and Fe in all the groups. Finally, it was concluded that nano Cu @ 5 ppm can be selected for feeding in growing cattle as it exerts similar effects as showed by 10 ppm inorganic Cu.