Copper (Cu) - cattle
Definition
Copper (Cu) is a trace element, meaning that it is an essential element needed only in very small amounts in the body.
Importance
Copper is important for the production of red blood cells, pigment, hair, connective tissue and the metabolic process (activation of enzymes). Copper is stored in the liver. Lactating calves and lambs depend on this supply, as milk is low in copper.
| Category | mg/kg dry matter | mg/animal/day |
| Young cattle from 4 months | 14.5 | 56 |
| Young cattle from 9 months | 16.4 | 9 |
| Young cattle from 16 months | 18.1 | 132 |
| Dry 8-3 weeks to calving | 24.1 | 277 |
| Dry 3-0 weeks to calving | 25.2 | 277 |
| Lactating (20 kg) | 12.2 | 227 |
| Lactating (40 kg) | 11.1 | 260 |
Copper deficiency in animals
Copper deficiency leads to anemia and gives a dull, shaggy hair coat, discoloration of the hair around the eyes ("copper goggles"), thickened bullets, diarrhea, and reduced milk production. Young cattle at the end of the grazing period are at relatively high risk of copper deficiency and may therefore lag behind in development.
Despite a good copper supply, deficiency may still occur, due to poor utilization of copper in the feed. Proteins and iron can inhibit copper absorption. In addition, Sulphur and molybdenum can form non-degradable complexes with copper in the rumen.
Copper excess in animals
Copper excess quickly causes poisoning in sheep and, at higher amounts, in dairy cattle. The consequences are liver damage, breakdown of red blood cells, anemia, necrosis, jaundice and, in severe cases, death. The CVB (2005) gives a toxicity limit for copper in cattle of 40 mg/kg dry matter (at chronically high levels). The legal maximum is 35 mg/kg full ration (88% dry matter) for cattle and 15 mg/kg for sheep.
