Gram quantities of various copper salts have been taken in suicide attempts and produced acute copper toxicity in humans, possibly due to redox cycling and the generation of reactive oxygen species that damage DNA. Corresponding amounts of copper salts (30 mg/kg) are toxic in animals. A minimum dietary value for healthy growth in rabbits has been reported to be at least 3 ppm in the diet. However, higher concentrations of copper (100 ppm, 200 ppm, or 500 ppm) in the diet of rabbits may favorably influence feed conversion efficiency, growth rates, and carcass dressing percentages. COUNT 5
QSN1 What are copper salts sometimes used for? ANS1 suicide attempts QSN2 When ingested in large amounts what does copper salts produce in humans? ANS2 copper toxicity QSN3 What is the minimum amount of copper rabbits should have in their diet? ANS3 3 ppm QSN4 What is a major benefit to rabbits having a higher concentration of copper in their diet? ANS4 growth rates QSN5 What amount of copper salt is toxic in animals? ANS5 30 mg/kg