title: Effect of moderate Cu supplementation on serum metabolites, enzymes and redox state in feedlot calves.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether, in the nutritional management of commercial feedlots, copper (Cu) supplementation is justified to maintain the physiological requirements. This study compared beef calves fed concentrates with an average Cu basal content of 5 and 8 mg/kg in growing and finishing periods (10 animals) or supplemented with 15 mg/kg for each phase (20 animals) as regards production indices, metabolic parameters [glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), creatinine, total serum protein (TSP), albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT)] and markers of oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and serum antioxidant capacity (SAC)). Data were recorded at ages 12, 24 and 36 weeks. In general, Cu supplementation was neither detrimental nor beneficial for animal health and performance, and the levels of the measured metabolites and enzymes were within their normal ranges stated for feedlot with the same management during the whole study. However, in keeping with reported higher hepatic Cu levels at slaughter, animals on supplemented feed had higher GGT activities at the end of the finishing stage, although the difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, lower SAC levels at the end of the growing period in the supplemented group suggest the possibility of a positive effect of Cu supplementation on redox state. Further research is necessary to clarify the potential role of Cu in limiting the ROS production associated with fattening diets, and to evaluate the hepatobiliary consequences of supplementation, including hepatic Cu accumulation.
authors: Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria de Lugo, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain. cristina.castillo@usc.es
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Castillo
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Hernández
authors: M
authors: M
authors: García Vaquero
authors: M
authors: M
authors: López Alonso
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Pereira
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Miranda
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Blanco
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Benedito
mesh_terms: D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D003300:Copper; D002784:Cholesterol; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases