Abstract
From field observations it is apparent that 15 mg of copper per kg of dry matter in French forages is the upper limit beyond which copper toxicity, mainly in lambs, is likely to occur. This relatively low value is attributed to low molybdenum concentrations in French feeds.
Copper toxicity in sheep is characterised by a haemolytic icterus crisis after the accumulation of large amounts of copper in the liver. The diagnosis of a copper toxicity is based mainly on liver copper concentrations (> 1000 mg Cu/kg DM) and copper and molybdenum levels in the diet.
Prophylactic measures include the feeding of copper deficient forages alone, or in combination with sulphur and molybdenum supplementation. Supplementation of the diet with zinc may also be effective in the prevention and treatment of copper toxicity.
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© 1981 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg
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Lamand, M. (1981). Copper Toxicity in Sheep. In: L’Hermite, P., Dehandtschutter, J. (eds) Copper in Animal Wastes and Sewage Sludge. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8503-2_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8503-2_17
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