Response of ROSS 308 Broiler Chickens (Gallus Domesticus) to Dietary Supplementation with Inorganic Copper

By Zoraunye, A; Chikumba, N; Munengwa, A; Mugova, CJ; Chikwanda D (2023).

Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Vol. 13(1), pp. 15-21, 2023

ISSN: 2276-7770

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7670574

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Response of ROSS 308 Broiler Chickens (Gallus Domesticus) to Dietary Supplementation with Inorganic Copper

Zoraunye A.;Chikumba N.;Munengwa A.;Mugova C.J.;Chikwanda D.

Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, P.O. Box 35, Marondera, Zimbabwe.

ARTICLE INFO	ABSTRACT
*Article No.:* 090621084 *Type: Research* *Full Text:* PDF, HTML, PHP, EPUB *DOI:* 10.5281/zenodo.7670574	A dose-response experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Copper (II) Sulphate (CuSO4) at 0, 62.5, 125, 187.5 and 250mg/kg on the growth performance, and carcass and meat quality of broilers (Ross 308). Forty-five 2-week old Ross broiler chicks with an initial average weight of 490±0.6g/bird were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with three replicates of three chicks per treatment. Diets were fed over the grower day (14-35) and finisher day (35-49) phases. Average daily water intake (ADWI), feed intake (ADFI), water to feed ratios (WFR), average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured from 14 to 49 days of age. The mean ADWI and WFR were significantly higher in birds fed a diet containing 250mg/kg CuSO4, while ADFI, ADG and BW were significantly higher in birds fed diets containing 125 mg/kg CuSO4 compared to the rest of the treatments (P<0.05). FCR, carcass and viscera weights, meat pH and colour were similar among the experimental diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 125mg/kg CuSO4 was more efficacious than the rest of the treatments in promoting growth performance.
*Accepted:* 09/09/2021 *Published:* 23/02/2023
Corresponding Author Nation Chikumba* *E-mail:* nchikumba@ hotmail.com
*Keywords:* broiler (Ross 308); copper sulphate; performance; carcass; internal organs; pH; colour.

Abbreviations:

ADWI: Average daily water intake

ADFI: Average feed intake

WFR: Water to feed ratios

ADG: Average daily gain

BW: Body weight

FCR: Feed conversion ratio

INTRODUCTION

Copper plays a vital role in the growth of broilers, having significant influences on the maintenance of production performance, regulation of enzymatic activity, bone growth, glucose metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis, cardiovascular structural integrity, and other physiological functions (Feng et al., 2020).

The recommended nutritional requirement of copper in broiler diets is in the range from 8 mg/kg (NRC, 1994) to 15 mg/kg (Aviagen, 2014). However, higher doses are often administered in the production process to obtain better economic benefits (Leeson, 2009). Supplementation of trace minerals with a large safety margin in broiler chicken diets has resulted in broiler diets with several fold increases in some trace minerals as compared with NRC recommendations (Guclu et al., 2008), which has led to a high level of mineral excretion into the environment (Dozier et al., 2002; Skrivan et al., 2005). With the application of poultry manure, these elements accumulate in the soil in some regions, and crop yields have been reduced because of high copper levels (Karimi et al., 2011). Furthermore, some of the elements leach into the groundwater and potentially cause problems for humans (Bao et al., 2007). Today, the optimum addition of dietary copper is still controversial. For example, Arias and Koutsos (2006) showed that with increasing copper level (100–300 mg/kg), the performance of broilers was improved whereas Pang and Applegate (2007) did not observe any significant effects on bird’s growth performance when copper was supplemented at levels excess to the requirements (up to 250 mg/kg). Karimi et al (2011), observed that feeding 250 mg/kg of CuSO₄ during the starter period had negative consequences on bird performance, and moderate levels of CuSO₄ (125 mg/kg) had beneficial effects on bird performance at market age. Against this background, the level of copper supplementation needs to be urgently reassessed.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of graded levels of dietary CuSO₄ supplementation on feed intake, water intake, feed conversion ratio, water to feed ratios, body weight gains, carcass and internal organ weights, breast meat pH and colour of broiler chickens. It was hypothesized that incremental dietary CuSO₄ supplementation increases growth performance, carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Site Description

The study was carried out at a farm in a Highveld area of Zimbabwe at an altitude of 1600m above sea level at 18° 22' 54.066'' S. The farm is located in natural farming region 2b where average annual rainfall ranges between 600 and 800mm per year. Highest temperatures are experienced in October averaging to 28⁰C, lowest temperature being attained in June and averaging around 5⁰C.The minimum, maximum and average temperature during the experimental period are summarized in Table 1. The average ambient temperature was 23.5°C.

Data collection

Zootechnical evaluation

The daily feed intake (ADFI g/bird) was determined for birds in each treatment group. This was done by measuring the difference between the feed supplied every morning and the residuals on the following day. Body weight changes were determined by measuring body weight for each bird on a weekly basis from week zero of the experiment using a digital electronic scale (Jadever JPS-1050, Micro Precision Calibration Inc, USA). Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the amount of feed consumed per unit of live weight gain. Average daily water intake was determined by measuring the difference between water supplied in founts and water remaining after a 24-hour period. Evaporation losses were corrected for by using a 1-liter fount similar in capacity and design to other drinking founts. The evaporation fount was placed at the center of the poultry house. Water to feed ratio was calculated as the proportion of water to feed consumed daily during the experimental period.

Carcass, organ weights and meat quality characteristics

At day 49 of age, after being deprived of feed overnight, 2 birds per replicate (6 birds from each treatment group) were randomly selected and slaughtered by exsanguination to determine carcass weight, quality and organ weights (liver, heart, gizzard and intestines). Slaughtered birds were left to bleed for four minutes followed by hot water scalding and plucking of feathers manually. Birds were eviscerated and the dressed carcass weight, liver, heart, gizzard, intestine weights measured using an electronic digital scale.

Samples of breast meat were taken from the birds for colour and pH determination. Samples were chilled for 24 hours after slaughter to facilitate optimum rigor mortis. A precision calorimeter 110 was used to measure breast meat colour coordinates (lightness, redness, yellowness, hue and chroma angle). The colour spectrum for breast meat lightness (L*) values were classified as follows: lighter than normal (light, L* > 53), normal (48 < L* < 53), and darker than normal (dark, L* < 46) (Qiao et al., 2001). A hanna pH meter calibrated with buffers at pH 4 and pH 7 was used for breast meat pH analysis.

Statistical analysis

Data was analyzed using the General Linear Model procedures of SAS (2010) for a completely randomized design.

The model used was:

Y_ij= µ + t_i + e_ij

Where:

Y_ij= Response variable (ADWI, ADFI), WFR, ADG), FBW, FCR, meat colour and pH)

µ = overall mean

t_i =effect of the i^th treatment

e_ij = error

Least square means were compared using the PDIFF procedure of SAS (2010). Statistical significance was considered at the 5% level of probability.

Table 3: Growth performance parameters of broilers fed with Copper II Sulphate from week 2 to week 7 of age.

Performance Characteristics			Treatments			R²	P- Value
	0mg/kg CuSO₄	62.5mg/kg CuSO₄	125mg/kg CuSO₄	187.5mg/kg CuSO₄	250mg/kg CuSO₄
Water intake (ml/bird/day)	242.12^b±4.278	247.10^b±4.278	248.09^b ±4.332	245.22^b ±4.354	270.11^a±4.302	0.5	0.0001
Feed intake (g/bird/day)	162.85^b±2.055	164.66^b ±2.055	176.13^a±2.055	161.85^b ±2.055	168.57^ab ±2.057	0.7	0.0001
Water/feed ratio (ml/g/bird/day)	1.582^b±0.044	1.601^b ±0.044	1.519^b±0.045	1.587^b ±0.046	1.738^a ± 0.045	0.12	0.015
Daily gain (g/bird/day)	71.88^b ±1.82	77.28^ab ±1.82	82.853^a ±1.82	73.663^b ±1.82	71.146^b ±1.82	0.79	0.01
Live weight (g/bird)	3073.66^ab ±64.87	3210.55^ab ±64.87	3385.22^a ±64.87	3096.71^ab ±64.87	3037.55^b±64.87	0.71	0.06
Feed conversion ratio (g/g)	2.4189^a ± 0.11	2.113^a ± 0.11	1.96^a ± 0.11	2.33^a ±0.11	2.473^a ± 0.11	0.66	0.10

Means within a row followed by a different superscript are significantly different (P>0.05). ¹±SE = standard error. ²R²= Coefficient of determination.

Table 4: Effects of graded levels of Copper II Sulphate on carcass and viscera weights of broiler chickens.

Carcass Characteristics			Treatments			S. E	R²	P- Value
	0mg/kg CuSO₄	62.5mg/kg CuSO₄	125mg/kg CuSO₄	187.5mg/kg CuSO₄	250mg/kg CuSO₄
Dressed weight (g)	2031.66^a	2140.33^a	2363.83^a	2356.16^a	2067.66^a	±96.17	0.63	0.14
Liver (g)	41.50^a	38.33^a	45.33^a	38.33^a	40.50^a	±2.33	0.52	0.30
Heart (g)	13.66^a	10.50^a	10.66^a	12.33^a	12.33^a	±0.72	0.63	0.13
GIT (g)	74.83^a	72.00^a	77^a	75^a	75^a	±1.92	0.42	0.49
Gizzard (g)	47.50^a	45.00^a	49.83^a	47.00^a	46.33^a	±2.23	0.26	0.81

Means within a same row followed by different superscript are significantly different (P<0.05).¹SE = Standard Error. ²R²= Coefficient of determination.

Table 5: Effects of graded levels of Copper II Sulphate supplementation on meat pH and colour of broilers.

Meat quality characteristics			Treatments			S. E	R²	P- Value
	0mg/kg CuSO₄	62.5mg/kg CuSO₄	125mg/kg CuSO₄	187.5mg/kg CuSO₄	250mg/kg CuSO₄
pH	6.59^a	6.62^a	6.59^a	6.51^a	6.51^a	0.03	0.65	0.11
Lightness	57.42^a	59.66^a	60.87^a	55.16^a	56.61^a	3.29	0.35	0.63
Redness	0.40^a	2.34^a	0.53^a	0.49^a	1.42^a	0.512	0.68	0.08
Yellowness	1.90^a	6.30^a	3.5^a	1.9^a	4.4^a	1.49	0.52	0.31
Chroma	2.67^a	6.75^a	3.75^a	3.16^a	4.75^a	1.46	0.51	0.32
Hue angle	76.89^a	66.24^a	111.36^a	101.90^a	72.89^a	20.46	0.41	0.53

Means within a row followed by a different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05). ¹SE= Standard Error. ²R²= Coefficient of determination.

DISCUSSION

Water intake, water:feed ratio, feed intake

The observation that increasing CuSO₄ concentration in feed resulted in increased water intake compared to the control diet (0mg/kg CuSO₄) is consistent with previous findings (Deyhim and Teeter et al., 1995). The increase in water intake was attributed to a high metabolic heat production. When metabolic heat production exceeds the capacity of passive heat dissipation, the birds activate their physiological and behavioral defense mechanisms for heat stress (Dai and Bessei, 2008). The defensive mechanisms comprise the decrease in blood flow to the uterus, panting, reduction of feed consumption and increase in water consumption (May and Lott, 1992). The immediate increase in water intake helps birds to increase the dissipation of heat from respiratory surfaces, and the decrease in feed intake reduces the contribution of metabolic heat to the total heat load. In contrast, Miles et al (1998), noted that CuSO₄supplementation did not show significant effect on water intake. The high water: feed ratio observed in birds fed a diet containing 250mg/kg CuSO₄could be attributed to the higher water intake of birds (Persia et al., 2004).

The observation that feed intake increased as Copper II Sulphate increased until it reached a plateau at the 125mg/kg CuSO₄level of supplementation then declined in birds fed diets containing 187.5 and 250mg/kg CuSO₄ suggests that the 125mg/kg CuSO₄level of supplementation was optimal. Similar results were reported by Feng et al (2020). On the contrary, Luo et al., (2005) reported that copper had no effect on feed intake.

FCR is an important determinant of profitability for broiler producers. Because the feed constitutes 70–80% of the cost of raising broiler chickens, changes in the feed-conversion ratio can have a major impact on the profitability of an operation (Aggrey et al., 2010). In agreement with the current study, Hamdi et al., (2015) reported that feed conversion ratio was not affected by addition of CuSO₄ to the diet. The lack of response of broiler chicken to CuSO₄supplementation suggests that the feed conversion efficiency of broilers was influenced by other nutritional or environmental factors. Further studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

Daily gain and final live weight

Average daily gain and final live weight reached a peak in birds fed a diet containing 125mg/kg CuSO₄ whilst higher levels (187.5 and 250mg/kg of CuSO₄) retarded growth performance. The increase in average daily gain and final live weight at 125mg/kg CuSO₄ might be might be a consequence of the significant reduction in the total number of pathogenic organisms in the gut (Pang and Applegate, 2007; Samanta et al, 2011). The reason for the growth-depressing effects of a higher doses of CuSO₄ (250 mg/kg) in the present study is not clear and is in disagreement with studies reporting growth-stimulating effects from supplementing broiler diets with an excessive amount of CuSO₄ (Bortoluzzi et al., 2019). Banks et al., (2004) reported that increasing concentrations of CuSO₄ (0, 62.5, 125, 250, or 375 mg/kg) had growth depressing effects on broiler chicks. Reduced growth rate is used as a proxy indicator of mineral toxicity to evaluate the toxic effects of certain levels of specific minerals. Persia et al., (2004), reported that 500 and 800 mg of supplemental CuSO₄ depressed body weight gain and final live-weight. In another study, they suggested levels of 642 and 781 mg/kg CuSO₄ as a toxic break point for chick body weight gain and final body weight gain, respectively. Luo et al. (2005) also reported that feeding 450 mg/kg of CuSO₄ resulted in decreased broiler average daily gain and feed intake. Because the copper level used in the present study was less than the toxic copper levels reported in other studies (Persia et al., 2004; Banks et al., 2004; Luo et al., 2005), further research is needed to clarify the nature of the depressive effects of the higher level of CuSO₄ (>125mg/kg) exhibited in the present study.

Internal viscera and Meat quality

Dressed weight was not affected by different copper levels fed to broilers in this study. Our results are partially consistent with work conducted by Liu et al. (2012) in terms of carcass weight. In contrast, Chowdhury et al (2003) demonstrated the positive influence of copper supplementation on carcass yields. No significant differences were observed in liver, gastrointestinal and gizzard weights between treatments irrespective of copper supplementation level. The results obtained in the present study are consistent with findings of Attia et al (2012) who reported no significant differences between internal organs due to copper supplementation. However, Liu et al (2012) found a significant reduction in the weight of liver due to increasing copper levels in layer diets. Several factors may affect the final results of the trials, such as copper sulphate source, management practices applied, or environmental conditions under which experiments were conducted.

The relationship between poultry meat color and pH has been well documented, but the relative influence on poultry meat quality is not as well established. Barbut (1993) suggested that apparent pale color in turkey meat is associated with lower pH and is similar to the pale soft exudative condition in pork meat. Fletcher (1999a) reported that extremes of light and dark poultry breast fillets showed corresponding differences in muscle pH, and Allen et al. (1998) reported on differences in color extremes on functional properties similar to those for PSE- and dark, firm, and dry-like conditions in red meat. In the present study, no significant differences in pH were detected between diets. However, birds fed a diet containing 62.5mg/kg CuSO₄ had higher pH values than birds fed diets containing 187.5mg/kg and 250mg/kg CuSO₄, respectively. Meat color is one of the proxy indicators of meat quality, and copper is responsible for erythropoiesis, hemoglobin, myoglobin formation, so the potential to alter meat color. Supplementation with graded levels of CuSO₄ in broiler diets did not significantly affect meat color coordinates. Our results are partially consistent with those reported by Yang et al (2011) who also found no effect on the meat redness a* and yellowness b* values, but differ on lightness L* values which they reported an increase in the lightness L* value of the breast meat. There is a paucity of information on the effects of CuSO₄on broiler carcass and meat quality, and further experiments are needed to elucidate the effect of CuSO₄on meat quality (Zhang et al., 2009).

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study indicate that dietary supplementation with 125mg/kg CuSO₄ produced beneficial changes in feed intake, daily gain and final live-weight while the converse was true for doses exceeding 125mg/kg CuSO₄. Doses exceeding 125mg/kg CuSO₄ increased water intake, and reduced the average daily feed intake, daily gain and final live-weight. Supplementation with CuSO₄ had no effect on meat quality characteristics and internal organs of broilers. Small-scale poultry producers can boost food and nutrition security in developing countries by using 125mg/kg CuSO₄ as a supplement in broiler enterprises. Future research should focus on the effect dietary CuSO₄supplementation on the sensory attributes of meat.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the financial support from Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology students’ research fund.

Ethics declarations

All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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Dietary composition	Starter crumbles %	Grower pellets %	Finisher pellets %
Crude protein	21	19.5	18
Moisture	12	12	12
Crude fibre	3	3.7	3.7
Fat	4	4.5	5
Calcium	0.9	0.87	0.85
Phosphorus	0.42	0.42	0.4

Week	Temperature (ºC)
Week	Minimum	Maximum	Mean
1	14	34	24
2	15	32	23.5
3	20	31	25.5
4	19	28	23.5
5	19	27	23

Formulation of experimental diets