Excessive copper in feed not merely undermines animal health but affects food safety.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Blackened intestines in slaughtered pigs have been commonly observed in China in recent years. However, no cause has been reported.

Objectives

We attempted to determine whether the blackening of the pig intestine was related to an excess of copper (Cu) in their feed.

Methods

In this study, we observed and collected porcine intestines in small- and large-scale pig slaughterhouses in Shandong province from May to October 2018. Twelve types of metal ions were detected in the black intestinal samples.

Results

The Cu level in the intestine samples was mostly higher than the Chinese national limit for food. Further study showed that Cu supplementation in most commercial porcine feed also exceeded the national standard. An animal model (mouse) that could mi

SUBMITTER: Ma Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8170218 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature