Overfeeding copper during rearing affects the liver function and fertility of replacement dairy heifers

McCaughern, J.H, Mackenzie, A.M., Bleach, E.C.L. and Sinclair, L.A. (2024) Overfeeding copper during rearing affects the liver function and fertility of replacement dairy heifers. Veterinary Record, 195 (2). ISSN 0042-4900

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Abstract

Background Oversupply of dietary copper (Cu) is common among UK dairy herds, but studies on the long-term outcomes of this oversupply are scarce. Methods A longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the long-term implications when 80 Holstein‒Friesian heifers with a mean (±standard error) age of 4.1 ± 0.1 months and a mean liveweight of 137 ± 2.4 kg were fed a recommended (R; 16 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) or high (H; 32 mg/kg DM) dietary Cu concentration until 6 weeks prior to calving. Results Hepatic Cu concentrations in both treatment groups were elevated into the ranges used to diagnose chronic Cu toxicity in cattle at 6.9 months of age (798 ± 46.4 mg/kg DM for H vs. 643 ± 35.4 mg/kg DM for R), with associated evidence of liver damage. Hepatic Cu concentrations then returned to normality but remained higher (p < 0.001) for heifers fed H than for those fed R and were associated with a reduced (p = 0.044) conception rate to first and second services (73.7 ± 8.05% for H vs. 91.2 ± 7.68% for R). Limitation This retrospective analysis identified pre-study liver damage, which may have affected results. Conclusions Supplying Cu in excess of requirements resulted in liver damage and reduced conception rates.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare (from 1.09.21)
Depositing User:	Mrs Rachael Giles
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2024 13:54
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2024 13:54
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18104

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