Hypocuprosis: the effects of administration of copper sulphate to cattle through the water supply

Authors: Smith B, Moon GH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 24, Issue 7, pp 132-134, Jul 1976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Copper, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Poisoning - chemical, Research/development, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Htpocuprosis in Northland as it perjtains to cattle has been previously discussed by Smith and Coup (1972) and Smith ( 1975). Two recognized methods for the correction of deficiency have been used for dairy cattle but both present the farmer with certain practical and/or economic problems. Fertilizer applications containing copper salts are expensive owing to the high market price of copper. Parenteral administration of commercial copper preparations, apart from difficulties in the assessment of adequate dosage levels, may cause severe tissue reactions at the site of injection (Smith, 1975). In addition, a 3-month witholding period after injection and prior to slaughter has been introduced. These methods have largely superseded others that were used in the early days of copper investigations in New Zealand e.g., a hit-and-miss method of adding copper sulphate to a water trough, the drenching of cattle and the use of mineralized stock licks. The latter is still used to a degree. Field investigational work in 1973 gave an indication that the administration of copper through the water supply could raise blood and liver copper levels. In 1974 the opportunity arose to study this aspect in detail under controlled conditions in a dairy herd.

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