TRACE ELEMENT PROBLEMS IN THE WAIRARAPA

Abstract

Copper deficiency in cattle is reflected by unthriftiness, reproductive problems, anaemia, poor growth and scours, while in sheep osteoporosis and ataxia conditions are observed in lambs. Copper deficiency can be induced in animals grazing copper-adequate pastures by an increase in dietary molybdenum The excess molybdenum interferes with the copper metabolism and reduces the blood and liver levels of copper. Increasing the dietary copper imake overcomes the toxic effect of molybdenum. The possibility of inducing a copper deficiency in grazing livestock must be kept in mind when improving pasture production by the addition of molybdenum and changing pasture species.