Copper and molybdenum imbalance in relationship to post-parturient haemoglobinuria in cattle

Authors: Smith B
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 21, Issue 11, pp 240, Nov 1973
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Copper, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Circulatory system/haematology, Disease/defect, Minerals/elememts, Nutrition/metabolism, Poisoning - chemical, Parturition, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Urinary system/urology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Preliminary investigations into the copper status of dairy cattle in Northland have been recorded by Smith (1972). Further study has revealed aspects which, it is considered, should at this stage be brought to the attention of the profession. The salient points only are briefly mentioned. Over the past 3 years survey and other investigational data have heen collected from over eighty dairy herds, many of which reported outbreaks of post-parturient haemoglobinuria (P.P.H.) (Martinovich and Woodhouse, 1971). Extremely low liver and blood copper levels are present in most affected herds and evidence suggests that the hypocuprotic state is induced by overenthusiastic applications of fertilizers containing molybdenum and/or lime to the podzolized yellowbrown earths of Northland (Smith, 1973). Levels of molybdenum in the pasture are frequently high, with copper levels tending to be low…

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