Article
What are the clinical signs of copper deficiency in cattle?
Poor growth and increased susceptibility to infection are common features of copper deprivation in cattle (Thornton et al., 1972a,b; Whitelaw et al., 1984).
Discolouration of the coat (black coat looks rusty) in an Aberdeen Angus, a brownish tinge can be given to the coat and the skin becomes mottled (Hansen et al., 2009)
Diarrhoea is classically seen after turnout onto pastures with high molybdenum concentrations – so called “teart pastures”.
Lameness. Abnormal bone development of the distal growth plates of the metacarpus and metatarsus Focal widenings of the growth plate consisting of tongues of uncalcified cartilage.
Impaired fertility. Depressed or delayed oestrus behaviour. Reduced conception rates
Impaired fertility is associated with secondary copper deficiency due to high molybdenum intakes rather than primary copper deficiency.
Leave a Reply