Abstract

Two trials were conducted to determine the effects of added copper from copper sulfate or copper chloride on performance of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 2,277 pigs with an initial weight of 71.6 lb were used in a commercial research facility in southwest Minnesota. Adding copper to the diet improved performance during the first two weeks in the finishing barn regardless of copper source or level. The results of these experiments indicate that low levels of copper chloride or copper sulfate (50 to 100 ppm) can be an effective and economical growth promoter when fed for the first two weeks to growing-finishing pigs.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 15, 2001

Keywords: Swine day, 2001, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 02-132-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 880, Swine, Growth promoter, Copper sulfate, Copper chloride, Grower-finisher pigs

How to Cite:

Hastad, C. W., Nelssen, J. L., Tokach, M. D., Goodband, R. D. & Dritz, S. S., (2001) “Evaluation of different copper sources as a growth promoter in swine finishing diets”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(10), 111-117. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.6660