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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:29
Measuring Liver Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption and Proton Leak Kinetics to Estimate Mitochondrial Respiration in Holstein Dairy Cattle
Published on: November 30, 2018
Chronic copper toxicity in a dairy cow
Summary
A dairy cow died from chronic copper poisoning due to a copper-supplemented ration. Despite high liver copper levels in the deceased, other herd members showed normal copper concentrations, indicating an isolated case.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Copper is an essential trace element for cattle, but excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
- Chronic copper poisoning in cattle typically manifests with liver damage and hemolytic crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of death in a Holstein dairy cow.
- To determine if the copper toxicity was an isolated incident or a herd-wide issue.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of the deceased cow.
- Analysis of liver copper concentration in the deceased cow.
- Analysis of blood copper levels and liver copper concentration in other herd animals.
Main Results:
- The cow exhibited lesions consistent with chronic copper toxicity, including icterus, hepatic fibrosis, and hemoglobinemic nephrosis.
- Liver copper concentration in the deceased cow was significantly elevated at 331 ppm (wet weight).
- Copper levels in blood and liver samples from other herd animals were within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- The death was attributed to chronic copper poisoning in an individual Holstein dairy cow.
- The copper toxicity was not a herd problem, as other animals did not show elevated copper levels.
- Dietary copper supplementation should be carefully monitored to prevent toxicity in cattle.
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