Copper in Feedingstuffs Political and Legislative Situation in the Community

Abstract

Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands and United Kingdom permit 200 mg/kg maximum copper in pig foods. Belgium, Denmark and Italy permit only 125 mg/kg due to anxiety about build up of copper in the soil. For similar reasons Germany restricts the higher level to foods for younger pigs, and the Netherlands subsidises transport of slurry away from the main centres of pig production.

The maximum amount of copper reaching the soil via slurry if all pig foods in the Community received high level copper, is estimated at 9 500 tonnes 3 500 tonnes of this could be attributed to inclusions above the generally acceptable level of 125 mg/kg.

Earlier published work in the UK about the economics of copper inclusions at 200 mg/kg, is updated. This shows a return from copper supplementation of £3.23 per bacon pig.

It is suggested that the option to include copper in pig foods up to 200 mg/kg, be extended for five years allow further research about the build up of copper in the soil. Also consideration should be given to controls on application of pig slurry similar to those in operation for industrial/domestic sewage sludge.