Preparation of copper (II) amino acid complex, where the copper and the amino acids are chelated via coordinate covalent bonds, as a powder with a content of 10-11 % copper and a minimum of 18 % free amino acids

What it is. Nutritional additive consisting of a powder complex of copper(II) chelated by coordinate covalent bonds to amino acids derived from hydrolysed protein sources (feather or plant origin). The preparation contains 10-11% copper and a minimum of 18% free amino acids.

What it is for. Used as a source of copper, an essential trace element, in feed for all animal species. It is generally used to cover copper requirements and support metabolic functions where this mineral is involved, in the form of a premix incorporated into compound feed.

Points to watch. Total copper content in complete feed is capped according to species and category: 15 mg/kg for pre-ruminant and other sheep, 30 mg/kg for other cattle, 15 mg/kg for sheep, 35 mg/kg for goats, 150 mg/kg for unweaned and early-weaned piglets, 100 mg/kg for older weaned piglets, 50 mg/kg for crustaceans and 25 mg/kg for other animals. Labelling warnings apply for sheep feed above 10 mg/kg copper and for post-ruminant cattle feed below 20 mg/kg copper in high-molybdenum/sulphur pastures; operator protection measures are required due to heavy metal content.