Broiler chicks fed low-calcium diets. 2. Increased sensitivity to copper toxicity.
Young broiler chicks were more sensitive to copper toxicity when they were fed diets deficient or marginal in calcium content. Growth rate was depressed and liver copper concentration was increased under these conditions. Chicks fed a casein-gelatin diet were more sensitive to copper toxicity than those fed a corn-soybean meal diet. Addition of phytic acid to the casein-gelatin basal diet enhanced copper toxicity as evidenced by effects on growth rate and liver copper content. Measurements of intestinal and biliary copper content suggested that the influence of calcium on copper toxicity was mediated via intestinal absorption rather than through influences on copper excretion.
Leach
R M
RM
Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
Rosenblum
C I
CI
Amman
M J
MJ
Burdette
J
J
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001646:Bile / Q000737:chemistry; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002645:Chickens; D003300:Copper / Q000506:poisoning*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007422:Intestines / Q000737:chemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D003300:Copper; D002118:Calcium