Assessment of Cu-Zn EDTA Parenteral Toxicity in Calves

Copper (Cu) parenteral administration is used in a beef cow-calf operations to prevent or correct Cu deficiency in bovines. At present, Zinc (Zn) salts have been incorporated to complement Cu antioxidant effect. A risk of hepatotoxicity generated by overdose is a negative consequence of injectable Cu application. Cu-Zn EDTA appears as an alternative; however, data about its toxicity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess toxicity risk of different doses of Cu-Zn EDTA in calves. Thirty two Aberdeen Angus calves of 162 (±20) kg BW were assigned to 4 groups (n = 8), homogeneous in weight, sex, and age. Cu-Zn EDTA was administrated in doses of 0.3 mg/kg BW (group 1X); 0.6 mg/kg BW (group 2X); 0.9 mg/kg BW (group 3X) and sterile saline solution (control group-with no treatment). Clinical and blood parameters in animals were monitored during 28 days. In groups' control, 1X and 2X there were no alterations in the assessed parameters. In group 3X, one of the animals showed depression, permanent decubitus, and muscular twitching; that animal had to be killed in extremis for humanitarian reasons. Necropsy and Cu tissue concentration findings confirmed intoxication in the clinically affected animal. The rest of the animals in group 3X showed only a temporary increase in liver enzymes. The results indicate that a dose of 0.9 mg/kg BW of Cu as Cu-Zn EDTA is potentially hepatotoxic, this dose is similar to other soluble salts of parenteral administration.