Copper deficiency in dairy goats and kids

Abstract

The clinical, pathological and reproductive aspects of an outbreak of copper deficiency in dairy goats and kids from the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil are described. Ten adult dairy goats with clinical signs of deficiency and four kids presenting enzootic ataxia born from copper deficient does were separated from the herd, and examined. In the dairy goats, the average serum concentration of copper was 6.1±2.8mmol/L and iron was 39.5±8.2mmol/L. In kids, the average serum concentration of copper was 3.8±0.9mmol/L and iron was 38.5±4.1mmol/L. Clinical signs in dairy goats consisted of pale mucous membranes, anemia, emaciation, diarrhea, achromotrichia, brittle hair and alopecia. The main reproductive alterations consisted of prolonged anestrus, embryonic resorption and high indices of retained placenta. The kids born from copper deficient dairy goats were weak, and presented neonatal or late ataxia until 70 days of life. Six dairy goats and four kids were necropsied. Most ovaries examined were small, firm and did not present viable follicles on their surface. Microscopically, there was reduction of viable follicles in addition to disorganization of follicular and stromal structures, with marked follicular atresia. Microscopically, changes in kids with enzootic ataxia consisted of neuronal chromatolysis and axonal degeneration, mainly in neurons of the spinal cord. In this study, the source of high iron was not identified, but it is known that outbreaks of copper deficiency can occur due to excess iron intake, mainly when adequate mineral supplementation is not provided for the goat herds.

Optimizing Feed Formulation Strategies for Attaining Optimal Nutritional Balance in High-Performing Dairy Goats in Intensive Farming Production Systems

“…Moreover, selenium deficiency looms as a recurrent concern in dairy goat husbandry, with supplementation utilizing barium selenate emerging as a recommended prophylactic measure for forestalling clinical mastitis and ameliorating milk quality in selenium-depleted locales [63]. Copper deficiency constitutes another salient nutritional apprehension, with studies documenting clinical manifestations of deficiency in both dairy goats and offspring, thereby underscoring the imperative of redressing specific mineral deficits in dairy goat nutrition [64]. Recently, gamut of alternative feed sources and supplements to enrich the nutritional caliber of dairy goat diets and bolster milk production were researched.…”

Ruminant Trace Minerals Deficiency and the Potential Link Between the Source and Rumen Interaction. A Review

“…Blood concentrations of Cu and Zn were associated with luteal activity in Holstein dairy cows, showing improved reproduction parameters with higher blood TM concentrations [28]. In dairy goats, Cu deficiency mainly affected the reproductive system showing prolonged anestrus, embryonic resorption, high indices of retained placenta, small ovaries without viable follicles; while kids born from Cu-deficient goats were week, presenting neonatal and late ataxia [29].…”

Emerging insights into the impacts of heavy metals exposure on health, reproductive and productive performance of livestock

“…Ruminants have poor homeostatic mechanisms for Cu, storing excess in the liver. When exposed to levels beyond physiological requirements they fail to regulate it leading to severe Cu toxicity ( National Research Council, 2005 ; Almeida et al, 2022 ). Acute poisoning in sheep and young calves occurs with an intake of 20–100 mg/kg of body weight (BW), while adult cattle require 200–800 mg/kg BW.…”