08-10-2019, 11:17 PM
Copper (Cu) toxicity in sheep occurs bc sheep's liver finds it difficult to quickly dispose excess copper. So the excess Cu will accumulate in the liver over a period of few weeks to over a year with no signs of symptoms. Then it is suddenly released into the blood stream, causing rapid breakdown of red blood cells.
Copper deficiency is a possibility in sheep, especially those feeding on limed pasture since lime decrease the level of available copper in plants. It is unlikely to occur in sheep fed mainly grains. Deficiency can lead to still birth. To avoid this, start feeding pregnant sheep that are 100 days pregnant mineral mix containing copper. It is about this time that the central nervous systems of the unborn sheep develop and copper is very essential for it.
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Copper req for sheep is about 5ppm in their total diet. But this depends on the level of Molybdenum (Mo) in the diet. Mo binds copper and makes it unavailable for the sheep. If Mo level is less than 1%, sheep are more likely to suffer from copper toxicity. If above 10% (yes, 10% not 1%) deficiency will likely occur even if copper level is adequate. Sulphur (S) level also make this complicated by binding with Mo and making it unavailable.
Copper deficiency is a possibility in sheep, especially those feeding on limed pasture since lime decrease the level of available copper in plants. It is unlikely to occur in sheep fed mainly grains. Deficiency can lead to still birth. To avoid this, start feeding pregnant sheep that are 100 days pregnant mineral mix containing copper. It is about this time that the central nervous systems of the unborn sheep develop and copper is very essential for it.
.
Copper req for sheep is about 5ppm in their total diet. But this depends on the level of Molybdenum (Mo) in the diet. Mo binds copper and makes it unavailable for the sheep. If Mo level is less than 1%, sheep are more likely to suffer from copper toxicity. If above 10% (yes, 10% not 1%) deficiency will likely occur even if copper level is adequate. Sulphur (S) level also make this complicated by binding with Mo and making it unavailable.