Dairy cows are most likely to be deficient in winter/early spring, coinciding with higher demands over this period for pregnancy and early lactation. Fast growing calves over six months of age are also likely to be deficient.
Symptoms of copper deficiency
| In cows | In calves |
| Weight loss | Poor growth rates |
| Scouring | Scouring |
| Reduced milk yields | Bone fractures |
| Reproductive problems | Lightening of coat colour |
| Lightening of coat colour | Loss of co-ordination in hind limbs |
| Anaemia |
Treatment
In general, early lactating dairy cows will not be getting sufficient copper from a pasture diet, therefore supplementation is likely to be beneficial.
- Two weeks should elapse after Zn treatment has finished, and animals that have Facial Eczema should not be treated for Cu due to risk of heavy metal poisoning.
- Be aware that Cu poisoning can occur as a result of excess intakes of Cu (drenches, licks and eating pasture recently fertilised with Cu additives)
- If in doubt consult your vet.
Further information
Copper deficiency in New Zealand dairy cattle: Farmfact (3-3)
