Effects of copper levels in diets high in plant ingredients on gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fingerlings

Abstract

Fish meal is increasingly substituted in diets for gilthead sea bream with ingredients of terrestrial origin which may affect the mineral content and availability. Among these minerals, copper (Cu) is an essential trace element whose excess may have a potential toxic effect. Since ingredients of terrestrial origin have higher Cu levels than marine ones it is important to define the optimal dietary supply of Cu. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate optimal dietary inclusion level of Cu in low FM-FO diets for gilthead sea bream fingerlings.