The influence of different dietary levels of copper on copper status, cholesterol and milk profile in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

摘要

The study was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary copper (Cu) on copper status and lipid metabolism in camels (Camelus dromedarius). Six primiparous and 11 multiparous camels were used in this investigation. Camels were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) control (no Cu supplementation; 2) 15 mg of Cu/kg-1 of DM from copper sulphate, CuSO4); 3) 45 mg Cu/kg-1 of dry matter (DM). Plasma Cu concentrations were similar across all treatments. Total plasma cholesterol concentrations were higher in she camels supplemented with Cu at the end of the 2-months period. Camels receiving 45 of Cu had higher plasma cholesterol than camels receiving 15 mg. No effect of treatment on DM intake, mean milk production, milk lipid and protein was observed. The study suggests that Cu supplementation changes lipid metabolism in dairy camels.