Some Effects of Copper Sulfate, Copper Oxide, 4-nitrophenylarsonic Acid and Ipronidazole on Growth, Aortic Ruptures and Liver Copper in Turkeys

A low protein series of diets were fed to 600 male and 300 female Large White poults with the protein ranging from a 23% starter to a 12% finisher. Three copper treatments were used, normal (8-12 ppm) and two sources of copper (120 ppm) from copper sulfate and copper oxide. Each copper treatment was fed with the recommended levels of 4-nitro and ipronidazole for blackhead control. The poults were started in electric batteries for 2 weeks and then moved to floor pens with cob litter and gas brooders. The hens were marketed at 15 weeks and the toms at 24 weeks of age. The experimental plan and results are shown in Table 1