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6966463 
Journal Article 
Effect of different levels of copper sulphate supplementation on some physical traits of rabbits 
El-Ezz, ZRA; Salem, MH; Hassan, GA; Elkomy, AG; Abd ElMoula, E; , 
1998 
ASSOC FRANCAISE CUNICULTURE 
LEMPDES 
A59-A65 
WOS:000078846200004 
sixty four rabbits(male and female)of White New Zealand strain were used to assess the effects of supplementing copper sulphate to drinking water on performance. blood composition, organ weights and puberty. Average initial weight was ranged between 940 and 920 gm for male and female, respectively. Levels of copper sulphate were 0,20,60 and 180 ppm Cu. Final body weight, weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly increased(P<0.05) by the 60 ppm Cu supplementation while 180ppm Cu significantly increased(P<0.05) feed intake and significantly decreased(P<0.05) water intake. Treatments had no significant effects on mortality. Final body weight and weekly body weight gain were significantly increased(P<0.05)in male as compared with female while feed conversion ratio was not significantly different. Feed intake was significantly increased(P<0.05) in female rather than male. Treatments had no significant effects on Hb,RBC's, WBC's and glucose while PCV % increased significantly(P<0.05) with 60ppm Cu supplementation. Using 180ppm Cu supplement significantly increased(P<0.05) serum urea and plasma copper levels while serumGOT significantly decreased in control as compared with the rest of Cu supplementations. Relative weights of spleen and tests were significantly increased(P<0.05)with 180ppm Cu and 60ppm Cu supplementation, respectively. Treatments had no significant effects on either weights of kidney, liver, lung, liver, heart, brain, pituitary, adrenal and dressing percent or copper content of kidney. Treatments had no significant effects on age at puberty while 60 ppm Cu supplementation increased significantly(P<0.05) the weight at puberty. Age and weight at puberty were significantly increased (P<0.05)in male as compared with female. Interaction between treatment and sex was found to be significant(P<0.05)in age and not significant in weight at puberty. Supplementation of drinking water with copper sulphate had significant effects (P<0.05) on semen characterestics. Highest values of ejaculate volume and sperm concentration were recorded with 60 ppm Cu while the lowest ones of methelyne blue reduction time,abnormal and dead sperms percentages were recorded with 180 ppm Cu supplementation. Results indicate that drinking water supplemented with copper sulphate improved the rabbit performance. 
Lebas, F; 
************* 
6th World Rabbit Congress 
TOULOUSE, FRANCE