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| Distribution
of Copper in a Feed Mix |
Micronutrients TBCC®
(Tri-Basic Copper Chloride) is a neutral, inorganic salt of
copper that has several advantages over the traditional sources
of copper used in animal feed. One important advantage is
improved blending, and therefore distribution in a feed mixture,
while another is the ability of TBCC not to separate and concentrate
in a mixture over time. Data from both commercial sources
and research studies demonstrate this improvement.
Poultry
Feed Mill Results
| Recently,
data was obtained from a large mill producing feeds
for an integrated chicken production complex. This mill
had a history of collecting Coefficient of Variation
(CV) data for copper distribution in their feed. A distinct
improvement was noted after a switch to TBCC. |
| Copper
Source |
N= |
Cv |
| Copper
Sulfate |
31 |
13.5 |
| TBCC |
37 |
9.5 |
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Research
Study Results
The following results are from various studies done in different
animal species. In each case, the experimental design was
focused on animal growth performance and/or bioavailability
of TBCC compared to copper sulfate. The data shows a clear
pattern in consistency of copper reaching the animal. The
difference between copper sources is due, in part, to better
distribution in the feed.
| Institution |
Date |
Animal
Species |
Copper
Analyzed In |
Copper
Source |
Cv
at Copper Concentration (PPM) |
| 300 |
450 |
600 |
University
of Florida |
1994 |
Broilers |
Feed
n = 31 |
Sulfate |
7.51 |
5.77 |
23.0 |
| TBCC |
1.45 |
1.13 |
2.85 |
Liver
n = 72 |
Sulfate |
27.5 |
44.6 |
43 |
| TBCC |
25.3 |
41.8 |
33 |
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Notes:
1 - Each diet analyzed in triplicate.
2
- Seven replicates each representing the means of analysis
of four livers from each pen.
| Institution |
Date |
Copper
Analyzed In |
Copper
Concentration(ppm) |
Cv
vs. Copper
Source
TBCC CuSO4 |
| PARC
Institute |
1999 |
Feed
n = 10 |
20 |
13.89 |
21.22 |
| 188 |
9.46 |
16.61 |
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Chemical
and Physical Properties of TBCC
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Particle shape – TBCC particles are produced through a
process of crystallization, creating a smooth, spherical
shape that flows easily and disperses uniformly. Conversely,
the majority of copper sulfate manufactured contains particles
that are uneven and inconsistent.
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Particle size – TBCC has a particle size of 60 – 100 microns,
optimum size for its specific density, enabling thorough
and even distribution in a feed formulation, while copper
sulfate particles range widely in size from about 400
– 1000 microns.
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Particle size distribution – Typically, greater than 90%
of TBCC particles fall between 30 and 90 microns, providing
a tight and consistent range that contributes to homogeneity
in blending.
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Hygroscopicity – Copper sulfate is hygroscopic – it draws
moisture from the air, causing lumping before, during
and after mixing. TBCC'is non-hygroscopic and thus is
not affected by moisture or humidity, remaining smooth
and free-flowing before, during and after mixing.
Overview
In attempting to feed animals correctly, a large number of
components must be evenly distributed throughout a final mix.
Consistency in achieving proper blending determines whether
or not optimum nutrition is available for the animals on a
daily basis. Copper, along with many other additives used
at extremely low inclusion rates, presents three main challenges:
- Providing final feed concentrations equal to formula
specifications;
- Achieving homogeneity in blending the formulation;
- Maintaining ingredient levels through transportation
and conveying systems all the way to the animal.
TBCC can help optimize health and growth rates by ensuring
that targeted copper levels actually reach each animal.
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