Understanding copper nutrition in small ruminants

Abstract

The objective of this presentation is to address pertinent aspects of copper metabolism, nutrition, and disease concerns relative to small ruminant feeding programs. Clinical manifestations of copper deficiency are associated with a critical decline in activity of a specific copper-dependent metalloenzyme. Though any disease process may occur in all small ruminant species, there seems to be some species differences in presentation of copper diseases. Goats tend to have greater problems with copper deficiency due to their higher requirements compared to other small ruminants. Copper toxicosis results from the accumulation of copper from the diet culminating in uncontrolled copper ion release from storage and subsequent oxidative damage. Toxicosis is of concern for sheep, llamas, and alpacas and less so for goats, though clinical presentation is not equivalent across the species. All dietary ingredients need to be accounted for in addressing small ruminant dietary copper management in an effort to prevent copper-related disease risks.