The Impact of Alternative Dietary Replacement of Inorganic Copper Salt with Organic and Nano Form on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Characteristics of Laying Hens

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of dietary replacement of inorganic copper (CuO) with its organic or nano source on productive performance, egg quality and blood biochemical constituents of layers. Three hundred, 55 weeks old of Isa Brown hens were randomly allotted into 5 groups. First group received CuO at 8 mg/kg diet, while the second and third group supplemented with the organic form of Cu (copper polysaccharide complex) at 8 and 4 mg/kg diet, respectively. Fourth and fifth group received the Cu as nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) at the same levels of the organic form, respectively. Birds fed the experimental diets for 10 weeks at 110 g/hen/day. Organic Cu failed to compensate body weight losses (P > 0.05), and the CuO-NPs significantly increased it (P < 0.05). Both organic and CuO-NPs non-significantly increased average egg production, shell composition of calcium and phosphorus % and yolk Cu contents (P > 0.05). In contrast, the organic and Nano-CuO salts reduced egg yolk cholesterol contents (P < 0.05). Besides, they caused an interesting reduction of cracked egg percentage (P < 0.05). Additionally, both organic and CuO-NPs increased serum Cu levels, MDA and SOD activities while reduced serum glutathione peroxidase activity compared with CuO (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum lipid profile was significantly altered as triglycerides concentration was increased while total cholesterol was reduced in birds received organic and CuO-NPs. So, the organic or Nano forms of Cu could be used as safe alternative sources in layer diets replacing the inorganic Cu without compromising their productive performance.