Role of copper in cattle

Copper is an essential trace element as it is involved in many processes including the structure & function of skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous & immune system and normal cellular homeostasis

Despite its importance, Bovine Cu deficiency is endemic in regions worldwide.

A UK study (Kendall et al., 2015) showed that 16.3 per cent of cattle surveyed had liver copper concentrations below the ‘normal’ range (<1405 umol/kgDM).

Copper Requirement for Cattle

40 mg/kg DM Copper (20mg/kg DM in the absence of antagonists)

Organic forms of copper may have different bioavailability than inorganic forms therefore consideration should be given to the form of copper used.

So what causes copper deficiency in ruminants? Hypocupraemia (Copper Deficiency)

Two main factors:

• Primary: Low copper levels in diet (reduced copper in lush grazed pasture compared with conserved forage.
• Secondary: Antagonists such as molybdenum, sulphur and iron