The effects of copper supplementation on stock health and production. 1. Field investigations into the effects of copper supplementation on stock health in dairy herds with a history of post-parturient haemoglobinuria

Authors: Smith B
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 5, pp 73-77, May 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Copper, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Disease surveillance, Circulatory system/haematology, Disease/defect, Nutrition/metabolism, Poisoning - chemical, Parturition, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Urinary system/urology
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Hypocuprosis in dairy cattle in Northland was first recorded by Smith (1972). Smith and Coup (1973) considered that a relationship existed between the low copper status of stock, the imbalance of copper and molybdenum in pasture, the incidence of post-parturient haemoglobinuria (P.P.H.) (Martinovich and Wolodhouse, 1971), and the anaemic state of affected herds. Brief mention of benefits accruing from copper supplementation was made by Smith (1973). This paper, the first of a series of three, covers certain aspects of field investigations carried out in 1971 and 1972 into the effects of copper supplementation of dairy herds in Northland. Those studied had a previous history of P.P.H. and were known from analyses of liver and blood samples to be hypocuprotic. Many were amongst those studied by Smith and Coup (1973) who give details of predisposing factors. The finding of very low liver copper levels (often less than 5 mg/ kg) suggested the use of copper to increase tissue levels and determine its effect on stock health in selected herds.

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