Effect of Antagonistic Minerals (Fe, S and Zn) on Absorption and Metabolism of Cu by Sheep Fed Poultry Waste

Abstract

Castellanos-Ruelas, A.F., Pacheco-Aguirre, J.A., Murguía-Olmedo, M.L., Rosado-Rubio, J.G., Betancur-Ancona, D.A. and Chel-Guerrero, L.A. 2008. Effect of antagonistic minerals (Fe, S and Zn) on absorption and metabolism of Cu by sheep fed poultry waste. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 121–125. To examine effects of feeding higher levels of minerals antagonistic to Cu (S, Fe and Zn) on production and digestibility of Cu of hair sheep fed a diet based on poultry waste (poultry manure) containing over 90 ppm Cu for 90 d, eight diets were fed to thirty-two male Pelibuey sheep. The diets contained each of the three minerals (Fe, S and Zn) at two levels, 647 mg/kg, 0.39% and 216 mg/kg; versus 833 mg/kg, 0.42% and 772 mg/kg, respectively in a 2x2x2 factorial design. Animal productivity as well as Cu content of liver and kidney were not affected by the treatments. High levels of Fe reduced (P<0.05) Cu digestibility. The ceruloplasmin activity during the experiment also was reduced by the addition of S or Fe plus Zn. Results indicate that supplementation with S or Fe plus Zn may delay Cu intoxication of sheep consuming diets containing excess Cu.