Effect of Cupric Sulfate on the Prophylactic Efficacy of Three Arsonic Acid Compounds Against Histomoniasis in Young Turkeys

Abstract

THE addition of cupric sulfate (copper sulfate or bluestone) to poultry diets has been a common practice for many years. Only limited research data have been published relative to this practice. Hinshaw and Lloyd (1929) reported that 0.125 and 0.25 percent cupric sulfate solutions inhibited growth of various micro-organisms which contaminated the drinking water of turkeys. Underwood et al. (1956) reported that cupric sulfate in feed and water was ineffective in treating or preventing crop mycosis in chicks and poults. Bierer et al. (1965) reported that growth of several micro-organisms was inhibited by cupric sulfate. Growth of E. coli, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Citrobacter was inhibited on Sabouraud plates, with a 1:100 cupric sulfate solution was added to the media. This indicated that certain pathogenic micro-organisms might likewise be reduced or inhibited in the intestinal tract of animals. Thus, cupric sulfate may act much like an antibiotic in the inhibition…