FieldDxCopper deficiencyClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in cattle, goats and sheep.
Overview
A trace-mineral deficiency of grazing ruminants. Inadequate dietary copper, often worsened by high dietary molybdenum, sulfur or iron, which block copper absorption.
Clinical signs
- General clinical syndrome in cattle, including nonregenerative copper deficiency anemia.
Predisposing factors
- Simple copper deficiency or conditioned (secondary) copper deficiency.
Treatment
Simple copper deficiency can usually be prevented by a single subcutaneous treatment of copper glycinate, which may protect the calves for several months; conditioned copper deficiency may require treatment every 4 to 6 weeks.
Prevention
Copper supplementation, dietary requirements, genetic selection, parenteral injections of copper, removal of sulfates, and slow-release treatments.
Source
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER (Page 34); A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER (Index pages 2175, 2250)
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER — Copper Deficiency
MSD Veterinary Manual — Copper Deficiency and Toxicity in Animals (accessed 2026-08-11)
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