Adding 150 mg/kg of copper to pig feed improved growth performance in growing and finishing pigs by approximately 6%, with pigs reaching market weight about 8 pounds heavier overall, according to a 2026 research analysis of 2,160 pigs. The benefit was strongest during the first 8 weeks of the growing phase. For young pigs, especially when zinc levels were already high, extra copper provided minimal benefit. All three copper sources tested performed similarly, so farmers can choose based on cost.
Researchers tested whether adding extra copper to pig feed helps them grow faster and healthier. They studied over 4,000 pigs across two experiments—some young pigs just starting to eat solid food and some older pigs ready to be finished for market. According to Gram Research analysis, adding 150 mg/kg of copper helped older pigs grow about 6% faster overall, but the benefit was smaller for young pigs when zinc levels were already high. The type of copper used didn’t matter much—different sources worked about the same.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 2,160 growing and finishing pigs found that adding 150 mg/kg of copper increased average daily gain by approximately 6% and final weight by about 8 pounds compared to control pigs fed basal copper levels.
In the early growing phase (days 0-56), pigs fed 150 mg/kg added copper showed significantly greater growth rates, but from day 56 to 110, no differences were observed, indicating that copper supplementation benefits are most pronounced in younger growing pigs.
A 2026 research analysis comparing three copper sources (two tribasic copper chloride products and copper sulfate) found no significant differences in pig growth performance, suggesting farmers can select copper supplements based on price and availability rather than source type.
In young nursery pigs fed high zinc levels (2,000-3,000 mg/kg), adding 150 mg/kg of copper provided limited overall benefit across a 38-day study of 2,204 pigs, indicating that copper supplementation may be unnecessary when zinc levels are adequate.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding extra copper to pig feed at 150 mg/kg improves how fast pigs grow and how much they eat, and whether the type of copper source matters.
- Who participated: Two separate experiments: Experiment 1 had 2,204 young pigs (about 12 pounds each) over 38 days, and Experiment 2 had 2,160 growing pigs (about 53 pounds each) over 110 days. Pigs were randomly assigned to different feeding groups.
- Key finding: Adding 150 mg/kg of copper improved growth in older pigs by about 6% overall and increased their final weight by about 8 pounds. Young pigs showed smaller benefits, especially when their feed already had high zinc levels.
- What it means for you: If you raise pigs commercially, adding copper to feed for growing and finishing pigs may improve profits through faster growth, but the benefit is modest. For young pigs, the extra copper may not be worth the cost if zinc levels are already adequate.
The Research Details
The researchers conducted two separate experiments with pigs at different life stages. In the first experiment, they fed 2,204 young pigs different amounts of copper over 38 days to see when adding copper was most helpful—in early feeding, middle feeding, late feeding, or all stages. In the second experiment, they fed 2,160 growing pigs for 110 days and tested whether three different types of copper (two commercial products and copper sulfate) worked equally well.
Both experiments used a randomized design, meaning pigs were randomly assigned to different feeding groups to ensure fair comparisons. The researchers carefully tracked how much the pigs ate and how much they grew, measuring these outcomes at different time points throughout each experiment.
The diets were carefully controlled so that the only major difference between groups was the amount and type of copper added. Young pigs also received high levels of zinc (3,000 mg/kg in early feeding, 2,000 mg/kg in middle feeding), which was important because zinc and copper interact in the body.
This research design is important because it answers two practical questions farmers ask: (1) Does adding copper actually help pigs grow better, and (2) Does it matter which type of copper you buy? By testing different timing strategies and multiple copper sources, the researchers provided information that helps farmers make cost-effective decisions about feed additives.
This study has several strengths: it used a large number of pigs (over 4,000 total), randomly assigned pigs to groups, and carefully controlled diet composition. The researchers measured multiple outcomes (growth rate, feed intake, final weight) across different time periods. However, the study was conducted in controlled farm settings, so results may differ slightly in other environments. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other scientists reviewed the methods and findings.
What the Results Show
In the first experiment with young pigs, adding 150 mg/kg of copper showed mixed results. During the middle feeding phase (around days 10-24), pigs that received extra copper ate more food and grew slightly faster than control pigs. However, when looking at the entire 38-day period, there were no significant differences in overall growth between pigs fed different copper amounts. This suggests that for young pigs, especially when zinc levels are already high, the extra copper doesn’t provide much benefit.
In the second experiment with growing and finishing pigs, the results were clearer and more positive. From day 0 to day 56 (the early growing phase), pigs fed extra copper grew about 6% faster than control pigs. This was the most important finding—the extra copper helped most during this critical early growth period. From day 56 to day 110 (the later finishing phase), the benefit disappeared, suggesting that older pigs don’t need as much extra copper.
Overall across the entire 110-day period, pigs fed 150 mg/kg of added copper were about 8 pounds heavier at the end compared to control pigs, and they ate slightly more food. The researchers also found that it didn’t matter which type of copper was used—all three sources (two commercial products and copper sulfate) produced similar results.
The researchers observed that the timing of copper supplementation matters. In young pigs, adding copper only during the latest feeding phase produced similar results to adding it throughout all phases, suggesting that early copper supplementation may be unnecessary. In growing pigs, the response to copper was strongest in the first half of the growing period, indicating that copper needs may decrease as pigs mature. Feed intake increased slightly with added copper in growing pigs (a 7.2% tendency toward increase), which could indicate improved appetite or feed palatability.
Previous research has shown mixed results about copper supplementation in pigs, with some studies showing benefits and others showing minimal effects. This research aligns with studies suggesting that copper’s benefits depend on the pig’s age and the levels of other minerals like zinc in the diet. The finding that high zinc levels reduce copper’s effectiveness is consistent with known interactions between these minerals in animal nutrition. The lack of difference between copper sources confirms what some previous research suggested—that different commercial copper products perform similarly when used at equivalent levels.
The study was conducted in controlled research settings, so results might differ on commercial farms with different management practices. The researchers only tested one copper level (150 mg/kg added), so they didn’t determine if higher or lower amounts might work better. The study didn’t measure copper levels in the pigs’ blood or tissues, so it’s unclear whether the copper was actually being absorbed and used by the pigs’ bodies. The first experiment showed benefits only during one feeding phase, which makes it harder to draw strong conclusions about young pigs. Finally, the study didn’t measure economic returns, so farmers would need to calculate whether the improved growth justifies the cost of added copper.
The Bottom Line
For growing and finishing pigs (roughly 50+ pounds), adding 150 mg/kg of copper to feed appears beneficial and is worth considering if feed costs allow. The greatest benefit occurs during the early growing phase (first 8 weeks). For young pigs just starting to eat solid food, especially when zinc levels are adequate (2,000-3,000 mg/kg), the extra copper provides minimal benefit and may not be cost-effective. Any of the three copper sources tested (tribasic copper chloride products or copper sulfate) should work equally well, so farmers can choose based on price and availability. These recommendations have moderate confidence based on the large sample sizes and controlled design, though results may vary in different farm settings.
Commercial pig farmers and feed manufacturers should pay attention to this research, particularly those raising pigs for meat production. Farmers with growing and finishing pigs may see improved profits from added copper supplementation. Farmers raising only young pigs or those already using high zinc levels may not benefit. Veterinarians and animal nutritionists advising farmers on feed formulation should consider these findings when recommending copper supplementation strategies.
In growing pigs, improvements in growth rate appear within the first 4-8 weeks of copper supplementation. The maximum benefit occurs during this early period, with diminishing returns as pigs mature. Farmers should expect to see measurable weight differences within 6-8 weeks of starting copper supplementation in growing pigs. For young pigs, benefits may take 2-3 weeks to appear, though the overall benefit is modest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding copper to pig feed actually make them grow faster?
Yes, for growing and finishing pigs. Research shows adding 150 mg/kg of copper increased growth by about 6% and final weight by approximately 8 pounds. The benefit is strongest in the first 8 weeks. For young pigs, especially with high zinc levels, the benefit is minimal.
What type of copper should I use in pig feed?
Research comparing three copper sources found no significant differences in effectiveness. Tribasic copper chloride and copper sulfate all produced similar growth results. Choose based on price and availability rather than product type.
When should I start adding copper to pig feed?
For maximum benefit, add copper when pigs reach approximately 50 pounds body weight (early growing phase). The greatest growth response occurs during the first 8 weeks of supplementation. Adding copper to young pig feed provides minimal benefit.
How much does copper supplementation cost compared to the growth benefit?
The study didn’t measure economic returns, so you’ll need to calculate whether the 6% growth improvement and 8-pound weight gain justify supplement costs on your farm. Benefits are clearest in growing pigs; young pigs may not justify the expense.
Does high zinc in feed affect whether copper supplementation works?
Yes. When zinc levels were high (2,000-3,000 mg/kg), added copper provided minimal benefit in young pigs. Zinc and copper interact in the body, so adequate zinc may reduce copper’s effectiveness.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight gain in pigs by recording average daily gain (ADG) before and after implementing copper supplementation. Measure feed intake weekly and calculate feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of growth). Compare these metrics to baseline performance from previous batches.
- Implement copper supplementation in feed formulations for growing and finishing pigs starting at approximately 50 pounds body weight. Adjust feed budgets to account for increased feed intake (approximately 7% more). Monitor supplier options for copper sources and compare pricing quarterly to optimize cost-effectiveness.
- Establish a 12-week tracking period for each batch of pigs. Record starting weight, weekly weights, cumulative feed provided, and final market weight. Calculate average daily gain and feed conversion ratio monthly. Compare results to historical performance data from batches without copper supplementation. Adjust copper inclusion based on cost-benefit analysis of improved growth versus supplement costs.
This research summary is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary or nutritional advice. Copper supplementation decisions should be made in consultation with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist who understands your specific farm conditions, current feed formulations, and economic situation. Copper levels in animal feed are regulated in some jurisdictions; verify compliance with local regulations before implementing changes. Individual pig performance may vary based on genetics, health status, management practices, and environmental conditions not controlled in this research.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.