Effects of Nano-Cu2O on the Productivity in the Cu-Stripped Chinese Merino Sheep.

ABSTRACT

This research is to study the effects of nano-Cu2O on blood parameters, growth performance, and wool yield in the Cu-stripped ranches, and provide reference for further study on prevention and treatment in Cu-deficient Chinese Merino sheep. We selected twenty Chinese Merino sheep from Cu-deficient and normal ranch, respectively. The results have shown that the Cu content in the soils, forages, blood, and wool from Cu-deficient ranches was significantly lower than those from normal ranches (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the contents of other elements. Treatment experiments of nano-Cu2O were carried out for 50 days. We found that the Cu content in the blood was increased continuously in the sheep after adding nano-Cu2O, and reached the highest level at 40 days. The levels of Hb, RBC, PCV, MCV, and MCH in the nano-Cu2O-fed animals were remarkably higher than those in the control animals (P < 0.01). The daily gain and wool yield in the nano-Cu2O-fed animals were also significantly higher than those in the control sheep (P < 0.01). Therefore, adding nano-Cu2O not only remarkably increases the Cu content in the blood, but also greatly improves the daily gain and wool yield in Cu-deficient animals.