Copper toxicosis in cattle fed chicken litter
Banton, M.I.; Nicholson, S.S.; Jowett, P.L.; Brantley, M.B.; Boudreaux, C.L.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 191(7): 827-828
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3679972 Document Number: 286381
Cattle from 2 herds developed copper toxicosis after eating chicken litter. The affected animals were adult Holstein cows and crossbred steers that ate 9 to 16 kg of litter/day. These cattle developed a sudden onset of weakness, depression, anorexia, icteric mucous membranes, and dark reddish brown urine. Liver copper concentrations in 2 cattle (1 from each herd) were 436 and 730 mg/kg. Results of copper analyses of chicken litter ranged from 620 to 920 ppm. Sodium molybdate and sodium thiosulphate were added to the ration of the dairy herd. Two cows with clinical signs of copper toxicosis recovered after being given additional sodium molybdate and thiosulphate supplements, orally.