SHEEP HEALTH - COPPER POISONING

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COPPER POISONING IN DAIRY FLOCKS - BE ON YOUR GUARD!

By Lesley Stubbings BSc Hons, Independent Sheep Consultant
There are still new cases of copper poisoning in dairy ewes in the UK every year. The effects on a flock can be devastating, not only because of ewe and lamb deaths in the acute phase, but due to the longer term effects of the chronic situation. This reduces overall performance, resistance to disease and the value of breeding stock. These losses are less tangible, but in many cases they actually account for more economic loss than the fatalities themselves.

Dairy sheep flocks must be vigilant. Of course you should discuss the copper levels in proprietary feeds and the steps taken to ensure the available copper is low with your supplier. However, you cannot assume that your feed supplier is fully aware of the risks involved - playing the ostrich is far too risky. Dairy ewes are fed large amounts of concentrate over prolonged periods of time and the accumulation of copper in their livers can take place over a period of years. You must take responsibility for monitoring your status.

Essential steps to reducing future risks:

ALWAYS:

Ask about copper levels in all feeds and the steps taken to monitor them.
Ask to see the results!
Have an antagonist added (sulphur, molybdenum and iron) to concentrate feeds.
Use whole grains in rations where possible. They are low in copper and help to keep rumen function more stable.
Increase the forage portion of the ration where possible and turn dry ewes out to grass.

Monitor your flock:

Take a small sample of liver from all casualties (your Vet will show you how), label and freeze it. Every couple of months take the samples to the V.I. Centre for copper analysis.
Routinely blood sample a few ewes in late pregnancy or early lactation and have them tested for liver enzymes and copper levels.
Discuss the results with your Vet.

NEVER:

Take anybody‘s word for copper levels in concentrate feeds. Always ask to see the results of monitoring and discuss the use of an antagonist.
Use any form of supplements containing copper
Use any copper injections or needles
Keep any replacements from ewes that have suffered from chronic copper poisoning (CCP)
Use a coccidiostat in the ewe feed and only use with care for lambs
Buy breeding stock without checking their history and some bloods for liver enzyme activity.
Stress the ewes‘ liver in pregnancy or early lactation by using any drug treatment if this can be avoided.

The risk of accumulating copper in dairy sheep flocks is one you cannot afford to ignore. You can protect yourself; it doesn‘t have to be an unknown!

(From Sheep Dairy News, Vol.16. No.2)