title: In ovo administration of copper nanoparticles and copper sulfate positively influences chicken performance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Copper (Cu) is a key trace mineral involved in a variety of physiological processes, and is commonly used in poultry production. However, regardless of the inclusion level the majority of Cu is excreted with poultry faeces. We hypothesise that in ovo administration will allow for better utilisation of Cu during embryo development than when supplied post-natally with feed to growing chickens. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate effects of in ovo administration of NanoCu and copper sulfate (CuSO4 ) on broiler chicken performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study showed the positive influences of Cu nanoparticles and CuSO4 on broiler chickens performance. Body weight, at the end of the rearing period (day 42) was significantly higher in NanoCu (2206 g) and CuSO4 (2402 g) groups compared to the control group (2000 g). Both treatment groups had significantly lower feed conversion rate and mortality, and higher percentage of breast and leg muscles in the carcass versus control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The in ovo application of Cu colloids may ensure an efficient penetration of Cu into the embryonic tissue with long lasting effects on postnatal growth. The method may provide a successful alternative to using Cu as a feed additive. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mroczek-Sosnowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Łukasiewicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wnuk
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sawosz
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Niemiec
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skot
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jaworski
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chwalibog
mesh_terms: D065567:Absorption, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D017849:Animals, Inbred Strains; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003102:Colloids; D003296:Cooking; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D019327:Copper Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D003718:Denmark; D047108:Embryonic Development; D002149:Energy Intake; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D063427:Food Quality; D007267:Injections; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D024510:Muscle Development; D012995:Solubility; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D014131:Trace Elements; D014867:Water; D003300:Copper; D019327:Copper Sulfate
keywords: copper nanoparticles; copper sulfate; meat quality; performance