Interactive effects of dietary copper and water copper level on growth, water intake, and plasma and liver copper concentrations of poults.

The interactive effects of dietary Cu and water Cu on poult growth, water intake, whole-blood hemoglobin (Hb), and plasma and liver Cu concentrations were investigated using 232-9-old toms. Poults were randomly assigned to two levels of dietary Cu [Basal (B) and B + 204 mg Cu/kg diet] and to four levels of water Cu (0, 51.5, 103, and 206 mg Cu/kg water) in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each treatment was replicated six times. All poults received tap water during Days 1 to 5 followed by the water Cu treatments during Days 6 to 10. Water intake was measured daily and gain and feed intake were determined on Days 5 and 10. Day 1 to 5 gain was reduced (P < .02) in poults fed supplemental dietary Cu. Day 1 to 5 feed intake and gain:feed and Day 6 to 10 gain, feed intake, gain:feed, and water intake were not affected (P > .10) by dietary Cu.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)