Understanding the copper pathways

Growth performance of livestock depends on various factors, including dietary trace elements. For example, copper (Cu) belongs to the essential nutrients for monogastrics and deficiencies can cause behavioural and physical problems. Copper is involved in the activity of numerous enzymes. Requirements are relatively low for livestock: 4-10 ppm for pigs, 4-5 ppm for laying hens and approximately 8 ppm for broilers, according to scientific organisations (NRC, INRA). Nevertheless, copper is general