Copper toxicosis occurs following the ingestion and accumulation of excessive amounts of copper in the liver. All species are susceptible to developing copper toxicity, but sheep are most commonly affected. Most species absorb copper through the small intestine. Sheep, however, absorb copper through the small and large intestine. Sheep also store more copper in the liver than other species.
Sheep develop copper toxicity in a variety of ways. They not only develop copper toxicosis when copper levels are too high but also if molybdenum levels are too low. Molybdenum decreases the amount of copper that is absorbed in the intestine and stored in the liver by increasing copper excretion. Molybdenum is not added to commercial feeds because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not consider it safe as a livestock feed ingredient. Molybdenum is found in the soil and is taken up by plants, so when sheep consume molybdenum-containing plants at proper levels, they are less likely to develop copper toxicity. The ratio of copper to molybdenum in the total diet of sheep should be 6-to-1 and never more than 10-to-1.
Copper toxicity often occurs when sheep are fed rations intended for cattle, swine or poultry. Copper is added to cattle rations because cattle are more susceptible to copper deficiency than copper toxicity. Poultry and swine rations often include copper-containing growth enhancers. Other causes of copper toxicity include:
Clinical signs of copper toxicosis occur when the liver releases large amounts of copper into the blood, usually following a stressful event.
Common clinical signs include:
A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if signs of copper toxicosis are observed. Un fortunately, treatment is rarely successful because the onset of clinical signs is preceded by severe damage to the liver, kidneys and intestines.
The best way to treat copper toxicosis is through prevention. Try to avoid stress or strenuous exercise in animals that may have accumulated copper. Molybdenum salts may be added to the diet to slowly decrease copper levels in the liver.
Authors
Christine Navarre, DVM
School of Animal Sciences
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
M.S. Gill, DVM
School of Veterinary Medicine
Louisiana State University
Barbara Grandy, DVM
Taylor, Louisiana
July 2017