Anaemia and changes in erythrocyte morphology associated with copper and selenium deficiencies and dietary restriction in rats

Both selenium and copper deficiencies in rats caused morphological changes in erythrocytes but only copper deficiency resulted in anaemia. Similar but less severe morphological changes occurred when rats consuming selenium- and copper-adequate diets had their food intake restricted to that of the copper-deficient animals. Since selenium deficiency did not affect the severity of changes due to copper deficiency this suggests that alterations of erythrocyte morphology may not be entirely due to impaired functions of selenium and copper in cell antioxidant systems. Thus, erythrocyte structure was sensitive to several dietary changes and such alterations are probably independent of the anaemia induced by copper deficiency. This possibility should be considered when changes in erythrocyte morphology are attributed to copper or selenium deficiency in animals which also have a restricted food intake.     

Copper deficiency in ruminants; recent developments

The aetiology of copper deficiency in grazing ruminants has been clarified by a number of recent discoveries: the low availability of copper in lush grazed pasture compared with conserved forage; the inhibitory effects on absorption of small increases in herbage molybdenum and sulphur and the antagonism from iron ingested in soil; and the wide genetic variation in copper absorption between different breeds of sheep. The economic importance of copper deficiency has been emphasised by the discovery of unsuspected causes of loss: increased susceptibility to infection and growth retardation in lambs and infertility in cattle. The diagnosis of functional copper deficiency has been improved by the addition of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase to the assays of copper status.     

铜缺乏对奶牛肝脏金属硫蛋白代谢的影响

为阐明金属硫蛋白在铜缺乏奶牛肝脏中的代谢特征 ,选择铜缺乏区有明显临床症状的奶牛 6头 ,采集肝脏样品后用差速离心法分离肝脏金属硫蛋白 ,以Sephadex G75进行层析纯化 ,测定各部分洗脱液中金属元素铜、锌、铁、镁的含量。将 6头健康奶牛的肝脏样品作为对照。试验结果表明 ,发病奶牛肝细胞浆Sephadex G75柱层析洗脱液中铜、铁含量峰值显著高于健康奶牛 ,且在后面部分层析液中出现小峰 ;发病奶牛肝细胞浆金属硫蛋白 (MT)层析液锌、镁含量曲线峰值宽阔且高于对照组 ,第 2峰形宽大且有前移现象。结论 :铜缺乏能够改变奶牛肝脏中金属硫蛋白的代谢     

Presumptive copper deficiency in hand-reared captive pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fawns.

Presumptive copper deficiency was diagnosed in hand-reared captive pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) at the Los Angeles Zoo. Clinical signs, which were manifested in growing fawns, included anemia, anorexia, diarrhea, progressive paresis/recumbency, and aortic rupture. The range of serum copper concentrations in fawns born during the 1989 season (0.08-0.67 ppm) was below levels considered normal for domestic sheep and goats (0.7-2.0 ppm) and below concentrations measured in adult pronghorn (0.4-1.43 ppm). Copper sulfate supplementation of the hand-rearing formula, which was initiated in 1989, resulted in a significant increase in mean (+/- SD) serum copper levels from 0.45 +/- 0.18 ppm before supplementation to 0.68 +/- 0.05 ppm after supplementation (P < 0.05). Fawns born in subsequent seasons (April 1990-August 1993) continued to be supplemented with copper in the hand-rearing formula. Mean serum copper concentration from these fawns (0.68 +/- 0.22 ppm) was similar to the mean values from supplemented 1989 fawns and adult pronghorn in this herd (0.85 +/- 0.34 ppm; P > 0.05). No clinical signs of copper deficiency were detected in any fawns after supplementation was started. Analyses of the herd's diet revealed marginal dietary copper levels. Suspected dietary deficiency was confirmed by marginal tissue and serum copper concentrations in some of the herd's adult animals. Dietary copper levels were corrected to prevent future cases of clinical copper deficiency.     

Use of copper oxide wire particles (Copinox) for the prevention of congenital copper deficiency in a herd of German Improved Fawn breed of goat

In a herd of German Improved Fawn breed of goat in the year 2000 neonatal kid losses due to congenital copper deficiencies were observed. To clarify the problems and to prevent losses in the next breeding season serum copper levels of 10 dams and four control Boer goats were investigated at four time points during one year. Additionally ten kids of the following year were sampled and the serum copper levels were studied. Immediatly after parturition and 8 weeks later the dams showed low serum copper levels (10.4 +/- 11.1 micromol/l, 5.7 +/- 2.9 micromol/l resp.). At the end of the pasture season an increase of serum copper could be measured (19.3 +/- 16.0 micromol/l). To prevent enzootic ataxia due to congenital copper deficiency, the dams were treated with copper oxide wire particles in the next late gestation. At this time point serum copper concentrations started to decrease (18.5 +/- 8.4 micromol/l). The re-examination 3 month later demonstrated an increase of the serum mean copper concentrations up to 23.4 micromol/l in the dams and to 16.2 micromol/l in the kids. The serum copper levels were significantly higher compared to the levels the year before. Big variation of the serum copper levels in the control Boer goats occurred during the year, but no clinical symptoms of copper deficiency could be observed. The copper levels in the grass and soil samples were 6.8 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg dry substance, respectively. A secondary copper deficiency based on cadmium could be excluded through the low levels of soil samples. The contents of sulphur and molybdenum were not determined. The results indicate that the German Improved Fawn breed of goats suffered from a primary copper deficiency due to the inefficient mineral supplementation. The administration of Copinox in the last third of the gestation leads to a continious raising of the copper concentrations in the serum and is suited to prevent ataxia due to congential copper deficiency in neonatal kids.     

A review of copper status of cattle in Canada and recommendations for supplementation

Primary and secondary copper deficiency has been identified in most Canadian provinces. Research has been done investigating the environmental and dietary factors that influence dietary copper availability and the effect of deficient copper status on the health and production of cattle. Across Canada, a high percentage of forages and grains are marginal to deficient in copper. In certain regions, high sulphates in the water and/or high molybdenum concentrations in the feed decrease dietary copper availability. The value of various oral and parenteral copper supplements in the treatment and prevention of copper deficiency is discussed.     

Changes in enterocyte mitochondria associated with deficiency of copper in cattle.

Comparisons were made between specimens of intestinal mucosa from three young Friesian steers, killed when showing clinical signs associated with copper deficiency, and three controls that had received supplementary copper. Copper deficiency was associated with marked depletion of cytochrome oxidase in the epithelium of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and with partial villus atrophy in the duodenum and jejunum. Enterocytes from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum showed mitochondrial abnormalities ranging from slight swelling to marked localised dilation. Many of the mitochondria not affected by swelling had a distinctly condensed appearance. These changes are discussed in relation to the copper-responsive diarrhoea that affects a proportion of cattle suffering from copper deficiency.     

Serum copper concentrations in beef cows and heifers

OBJECTIVE: To characterize serum copper status of cows and heifers in beef cow-calf herds throughout the United States and to evaluate use of copper supplements in those herds. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. ANIMALS: 2,007 cows and heifers from 256 herds in 18 states. PROCEDURES: Producers participating in a health and management survey conducted as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System voluntarily allowed serum samples to be obtained from cows and heifers for determination of copper concentration. Results were categorized as deficient, marginally deficient, or adequate. The proportion of cattle and herds (on the basis of mean value of the tested cattle) in each category was determined. Copper concentrations were compared between herds that reportedly used copper supplements and those that did not. RESULTS: Overall, 34 of 2,007 (1.7%) cows and heifers were deficient in copper, and 781 (38.9%) were marginally deficient. In each region, at least a third of the cattle were deficient or marginally deficient. For herds, 92 of 256 (35.9%) were marginally deficient, and 22 (0.8%) were deficient. Approximately half of the producers reported use of copper supplements, but a sizeable proportion of those producers' cattle and herds were classified as marginally deficient or deficient. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Copper deficiency is not restricted to a single geographic region of the United States. Copper deficiency can persist despite reported use of supplements by producers. Veterinarians dealing with beef cow-calf herds that have problems consistent with copper deficiency should not rule out copper deficiency solely on the basis of geographic region or reported use of copper supplements for the herd.     

Predicting copper status in beef cattle using serum copper concentrations

Copper deficiency is common in pasture-fed cattle in New Zealand⁽¹⁾. In general, the diagnosis of copper deficiency in a herd of cattle is based on a combination of history, examination of animals, examination of the environment, chemical analysis of blood, liver or pasture, and treatment response trials. The laboratory diagnosis of copper deficiency is currently based on liver and either plasma or serum concentrations of copper. Ellison⁽²⁾ reviewed the copper reference range for cattle used by the animal health laboratories in New Zealand and concluded that there is strong agreement in the literature that serum copper concentrations greater than 7.9 𝛍mol/l and liver copper concentrations greater than 95 𝛍mol/kg are adequate for young cattle. Furthermore, it has been reported that if copper concentrations in the liver are greater than 150–200 𝛍mol/kg wet weight, there is a negligible increase in serum copper as liver concentrations increase further⁽²⁾, with individual animal variation accounting for the range of values in serum copper at this point (7.9–18 𝛍mol/l).     

微量元素铜的营养作用及其在反刍动物上的应用

铜作为反刍动物营养中重要的微量元素之一,对反刍动物的生命活动有着重要的作用。文章主要综述了微量元素铜对反刍动物的营养生理作用、铜在反刍动物生产中的应用和反刍动物铜缺乏的危害,并提出了反刍动物铜缺乏的预防措施。     

Effects of molybdenum or iron induced copper deficiency on the viability and function of neutrophils from cattle

Neutrophils from cattle with copper deficiency induced by molybdenum (0.052 mmol molybdenum kg-1 diet) or iron (8.95 mmol iron kg-1 diet) had an impaired ability to kill ingested Candida albicans and were less viable than those from copper-supplemented cattle in in vitro tests of function. Restricted intake (80 per cent of ad libitum) of a copper-adequate diet by cattle also decreased neutrophil candidacidal activity and viability. Additionally, the ingestion of C albicans by neutrophils was impaired by the molybdenum or iron treatments but not by restricted food intake. The changes in neutrophil function and the severity of copper deficiency, in biochemical terms, induced by the molybdenum or iron treatments were greater than those induced by diets of low copper content.     

Changes in the ultrastructure of cardiac muscle in steers deprived of copper.

Young Friesian steers were fed for nine months on copper supplemented or depleted diets. Immediately after they had been killed, tissues were taken from the myocardium for examination by electron microscopy. Copper deficiency was associated with extensive changes in myofibrillar and mitochondrial morphology and distribution. It is suggested that the ultra-structural changes in the myocardium were specifically attributable to copper deficiency, the most likely underlying biochemical defect being lost of cytochrome oxidase activity.     

Copper status and enzyme, hormone, vitamin and immune function in heifers

A survey was conducted in 10 districts of Northern India to record the copper deficiency in soil, fodder and serum samples. Significant deficiency of copper was observed in soil, fodder and serum samples of heifers. The copper deficient animals were listless, showed depigmentation of skin, stiff gait and were anaemic and diahorric. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the magnitude of copper deficiency in Northern India and to examine the various haematobiochemicals, enzymes, vitamin and immune function which are affected by the deficiency of copper, so as to identify the parameters which can be of diagnostic importance in copper deficiency. Forty hypocuperemic heifers were selected from these areas and were randomly divided into two groups A and B. The heifers in group A were provided with mineral mixture containing copper sulphate and in group B without copper sulphate. Significant improvement (P<0.01) was observed in the haemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) level at the 30th day of treatment in the animals of group A. Significant (P<0.01) improvement in serum. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) level was observed within 30 days of treatment, while significant (P<0.01) improvement in monoamine oxidase and liver cytochrome oxidase was observed at the 60th day of treatment in group A animals. Regarding hormones significant improvement was observed in T(3) and T(4), in the animals of group A within 60 days of treatment. The values of vitamin A and E showed significant (P<0.01) improvement within 30th days of treatment. The phagocytic activity of neutrophils against Candida albicans significantly (P<0.01) improved in group A within 60 days of treatment. Similarly significant improvement in superoxide dismutase activity in RBC was observed at the 30th day, and WBC and whole blood at 60th day in group A animals. Significant improvement in liver Cu level was observed at the 30th day of treatment, while in group B the liver Cu was significantly (P<0.01) depleted at the 60th day of experimentation. Additional Cu supplementation improved growth performance significantly in group A.     

The effect of copper deficiency on the peripheral blood cells of cattle

Six female cattle were given molybdenum (30 ppm) and sulphate (225 ppm) to induce experimental secondary copper deficiency. The total and differential leukocyte numbers and lymphocyte subpopulations were counted and the neutrophil activity was assessed by means of nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes. The serum caeruloplasmin activity and concentration were also determined. Copper deficiency was confirmed from decreased serum copper levels, the animals with values less than 5.9 µmol/L being considered deficient. Total leukocyte numbers were not affected by the copper deficiency. However, differential counts showed a marked increase in monocyte subpopulations, a significant decrease in B lymphocytes and reduced neutrophil activity. The serum caeruloplasmin activity was decreased about 50%, but the total serum protein concentration was less altered. We concluded that the effect of these changes on the animals' immune competence may contribute to a greater incidence of infectious diseases in copper-deficient cattle.     

Osteochondrosis and epiphyseal bone abnormalities associated with copper deficiency in bison calves

Two bison calves were submitted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to confirm suspected copper deficiency. In addition to clinical signs, there were pathologic changes in the cartilage and subchondral bone of several joints. Water analysis indicated high levels of sulfate in the drinking water, contributing to a secondary copper deficiency.     

毛皮动物铜锌的营养需要及缺乏症

在铜锌生物学作用基础上,阐述了毛皮动物对铜锌的营养需要,并根据国外的标准给出了适宜的推荐量：同时,针对毛皮动物铜锌缺乏的症状,分析其缺乏的可能原因及评价铜锌营养状况的方法;最后,结合铜锌比、铜锌超氧化物歧化酶说明铜锌两种微量元素在毛皮动物营养中的相互关系。     

微量元素铜在反刍动物生产中的应用研究进展

铜在反刍动物体内有着非常重要的作用,它是维持反刍动物机体正常生理功能、生化代谢及生长发育所必需的微量元素,很多依赖于铜的酶在机体内发挥着重要作用,青藏高原的牧草由于冷季缺乏铜而导致放牧家畜容易出现铜缺乏症状,影响放牧家畜的生长及生产性能的提高,为此需要给放牧家畜补充一定量的铜,但是铜在反刍动物体内的吸收率较低且受到很多因素的影响,可以通过研究这些因素来提高铜的吸收效率,以避免对环境造成污染。铜可以促进瘤胃微生物生长,提高产气量和能量利用效率来提高瘤胃发酵效率和营养物质消化率,还可以提高反刍动物免疫功能和抗氧化性能,最终铜可以提高反刍动物的生产性能,不同反刍动物或者相同反刍动物在不同的生理阶段对铜的需要量不一致,在添加铜时要按照营养需要量结合生产实际添加,以提高铜的添加效率。文章综述了铜吸收及影响因素、铜对反刍动物瘤胃发酵、营养物质消化率、免疫功能、抗氧化性能、生产性能的影响,旨在为铜在反刍动物生产中科学应用提供借鉴和参考。     

微量元素铜在反刍动物生产中的应用研究进展

铜在反刍动物体内有着非常重要的作用,它是维持反刍动物机体正常生理功能、生化代谢及生长发育所必需的微量元素,很多依赖于铜的酶在机体内发挥着重要作用,青藏高原的牧草由于冷季缺乏铜而导致放牧家畜容易出现铜缺乏症状,影响放牧家畜的生长及生产性能的提高,为此需要给放牧家畜补充一定量的铜,但是铜在反刍动物体内的吸收率较低且受到很多因素的影响,可以通过研究这些因素来提高铜的吸收效率,以避免对环境造成污染。铜可以促进瘤胃微生物生长,提高产气量和能量利用效率来提高瘤胃发酵效率和营养物质消化率,还可以提高反刍动物免疫功能和抗氧化性能,最终铜可以提高反刍动物的生产性能,不同反刍动物或者相同反刍动物在不同的生理阶段对铜的需要量不一致,在添加铜时要按照营养需要量结合生产实际添加,以提高铜的添加效率。文章综述了铜吸收及影响因素、铜对反刍动物瘤胃发酵、营养物质消化率、免疫功能、抗氧化性能、生产性能的影响,旨在为铜在反刍动物生产中科学应用提供借鉴和参考。     

Parenteral methods of supplementation with copper and selenium

Parenteral treatments can provide a rapid successful method of supplementing ruminants with copper and selenium, and avoid the possible interactions between an oral supplement and other dietary constituents. The copper preparations studied contained copper complexed with calcium edetate (EDTA) or copper methionate , copper oxide or copper oxyquinoline sulphonate. The recommended doses of these commercial preparations contain different amounts of copper only part of which is transferred to the liver stores from which it can be released during the following months. The recommended dose of copper oxyquinoline sulphonate contains only 12 mg copper and the duration of its protective effect is short. Only a small proportion of the copper in copper methionate and copper oxide is transferred to the liver whereas nearly all the copper in a single dose of the EDTA complex (50 mg copper for sheep) is transferred to the liver stores. Although no longer recommended for use in sheep the copper EDTA complex can be administered to cattle to provide up to 1 mg copper/kg bodyweight. Selenium deficiency in both cattle and sheep can be corrected by the subcutaneous administration of up to 0.15 mg selenium/kg bodyweight as sodium selenate. However, if a dietary deficiency persists copper and selenium treatments are effective for only a few months. To avoid the need for repeated treatments, slowly dissolving or controlled release systems have been developed. Subcutaneous depots of barium selenate have been used (1 mg selenium/kg bodyweight) but large residues remained at the site of injection for up to three months. Initial trials with controlled release glasses containing copper have shown that they maybe useful for routine parenteral therapy.     

Diagnosis of copper deficiency and effects of supplementation in beef cows.

The effects of feeding supplementary dietary copper to a herd of 400 beef cows, were studied over a two year period. In the first year of the trial, the calves showed clinical signs of copper deficiency. There was improved growth following subcutaneous injection of copper ethylenediamine tetraacetate, and the treated calves had a 2.8% increase in adjusted weaning weights. In the second year of the trial pregnant cows were fed a basal ration of bromegrass silage, barley and minerals over the winter feeding period. The feed was supplemented with copper so that half received 5.5 mg/kg of copper on a dry matter basis and half 40 mg/kg. Calving occurred in the spring and half the calves were treated with injectable copper at birth and again at 12 weeks of age. There was no evidence of copper deficiency in the calves and there was no effect of high level copper supplementation on calf birth weight, or neutrophil candidacidal activity. Susceptibility to diarrhea varied in a complex fashion; morbidity was lowest in calves born to dams fed supplementary copper and highest in calves born to supplemented dams and injected with copper at birth. The cows and calves grazed the same copper deficient pasture over the summer. The average daily gain for calves born to supplemented cows was 0.999 +/- 0.010 kg/day (x +/- SEM) which was significantly greater than the 0.972 +/- 0.009 kg/day for calves from nonsupplemented dams (p = 0.044). The benefit of copper supplementation on 200 day weaning weight was estimated at 4.8 kg. Evidence of copper deficiency was seen when a herd test showed mean serum levels below 9 mumol/L and liver values below 0.09 mmol/kg wet matter.