Erlanda Upton Augustsson

In chemistry, "monovalent" and "divalent" refer to an atom’s ability to form bonds with other atoms and its oxidation state (redox state). Monovalent copper (Cu⁺), losing one electron, carries a +1 charge and is very reactive — especially under acidic or anaerobic conditions — resulting in rapid, strong antimicrobial effects, rapidly disrupting bacterial membranes. This is particularly valuable when piglets are most vulnerable, e.g. during weaning.