A preliminary study of copper supplementation in alpacas (Lama pacos)

Authors: Grace ND, Hill FI, Wyeth TK, Death AF
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 3, pp 114-116, Jun 1994
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Camelid, Lamoid, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Copper, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Poisoning - chemical, Research/development
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: Supplementing three alpacas with Cu as cupric sulphate (10 mg Cu/kg liveweight) as a single oral dose resulted in no change in the mean plasma Cu concentrations over 30 days while a single oral dose of cupric oxide needles (2.5 g) given to three alpacas caused a small but significant increase in the mean plasma Cu concentrations during days 10-30 following treatment. The mean plasma Cu concentrations of four untreated animals ranged from 4.2 to 5.9 μmol/l over the study. The Cu as cupric sulphate was excreted in the faeces within 5 days while the cupric oxide needles significantly elevated the faecal excretion for over 30 days.

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