Copper toxicosis in lambs fed milk replacer.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Lambs fed milk replacer supplemented with copper experienced significant mortality.
• Necropsy revealed generalized icterus, enlarged kidneys, and altered liver size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical pathology and histopathological findings of copper toxicosis in lambs.
• To assess the impact of dietary copper on lamb health and survival.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four hysterectomy-derived lambs were fed a commercial milk replacer with added copper from birth.
• Clinical pathology, including hematology and serum biochemistry, was performed.
• Liver and kidney copper concentrations were analyzed.
• Histopathological examination of affected organs was conducted.

Main Results:

• High mortality rate (29/34 lambs) was observed.
• Clinical pathology revealed responsive hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria, and leukocytosis.
• Elevated copper levels were found in the liver (38-584 ppm) and kidneys (6-86 ppm).
• Histopathology showed hepatic necrosis or fibrosis and nephrosis.

Conclusions:

• Excessive dietary copper in lamb milk replacer can lead to severe toxicosis.
• Copper toxicosis in lambs manifests as hemolytic anemia and significant liver and kidney damage.
• Age and stress may play a role in the development of copper toxicosis.