SupraMin® Cu – A better alternative to CoRouge (Cu₂O)
SupraMin® Cu offers the same high-concentration monovalent copper (Cu₂O) benefits but with superior heavy metal control and cost-competitiveness.
SupraMin® Cu is a high-concentration nutritional trace element supplied as Copper(I) Oxide (Cuprous Oxide). Designed to surpass traditional copper sources, it delivers copper in the monovalent (Cu⁺) form, aligning perfectly with animal biology for maximum bioavailability.
Product Introduction
SupraMin® Cu is a highly concentrated copper source supplied as copper(I) oxide (cuprous oxide, Cu₂O) for use in animal nutrition. Copper(I) oxide contains 88.8% copper content theoretically rather than 39.8% copper content that copper sulphate (CuSO4) contains.
Copper is an essential trace element involved in multiple metabolic functions. Beyond total copper content, the chemical form and oxidation state of copper are increasingly recognized as important formulation considerations. SupraMin® Cu provides copper predominantly in the monovalent (Cu⁺) form and is manufactured as a red-brown, free-flowing, non-hygroscopic powder suitable for premix and compound feed applications.
Mode of Action
Copper absorption is mediated by intestinal transporters such as CTR1, which preferentially transport copper in its monovalent (Cu⁺) form to that in its divalent (Cu2+) form. Most conventional copper sources used in animal nutrition, including copper sulfate in particular, TBCC, and certain copper chelates like copper glycinate or proteinate, supply copper in the divalent (Cu²⁺) state in the feed and/or in the animals’ intestine. As a result, an additional reduction step is required before uptake can occur before epithelial cells in the lumen. By supplying copper already in the Cu⁺ state, cuprous oxide is considered metabolically aligned with the natural copper absorption process described in the scientific literature.
In addition, the chemical properties of cuprous oxide differ from those of soluble divalent copper salts. Cu₂O is non-water soluble and less chemically reactive, which may reduce antagonistic interactions with feed components such as phytate, vitamins, and enzymes during feed manufacturing and storage, as discussed in industry literature.
Why Choose SupraMin® Cu?
Superior Bioavailability: Delivers copper in the active Cu⁺ state, bypassing the energy-intensive reduction step required by divalent sources like copper sulfate or chelates.
Market-Leading Purity: Engineered with a specialized processing technology that reduces heavy metal residues (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI)) to ≤ 10 ppm—a standard more strict than the leading market benchmark.
Nutrient Stability: Completely non-water soluble and non-hygroscopic. It does not react with sensitive feed ingredients like vitamins or phytase, reducing antagonistic interactions in the vitamin premix feed or complete feed.
High Concentration Efficiency: Contains ≥75% Copper (Cu), allowing for lower inclusion rates compared to typical sulfates.
Frequently Asked Questions
SupraMin® Cu is used as a source of copper to support essential metabolic functions, including immune competence, oxidative balance, and enzyme activity. It is positioned as a formulation-grade copper source where stability, oxidation state, and regulatory compliance are key considerations.
SupraMin® Cu can be used as an alternative copper source in formulations where the monovalent oxidation state, lower reactivity, or higher copper concentration of cuprous oxide is desired. Final formulation decisions should be based on nutritional objectives and regulatory limits rather than direct performance equivalence.
SupraMin® Cu is intended for use in premixes and compound feeds as a copper source. Inclusion rates should comply with applicable regional regulations, including EU Regulation 2016/2261 and AAFCO 57.58, as well as local regulatory guidelines. For example, EU Regulation 2016/2261 regulates as following:
Bovines:
— Bovines before the start of rumination: max. 15 ppm (total); — Other bovines: max. 35 ppm(total).
—Ovines: max.15 ppm (total).
—Piglets up to 12 weeks: max. 170 ppm (total).
—Crustaceans: max. 50 ppm (total).
—Other animals: max. 25 ppm (total).
No. SupraMin® Cu is a non-hygroscopic, free-flowing powder with good storage stability when kept in original packaging under cool and dry conditions, making it suitable for standard premix and feed manufacturing environments.
Due to the special processing technology, the residue of Pb, Cd, Hg and Cr (VI) in SupraMin® Cu are no more than 10 ppm, even lower than the market benchmark product, hence a superior Cu(I) source for the market.
