The copper nutrition of grazing deer

Abstract

The first deer farms were established in New Zealand about 30 years ago and much of the early deer research was focussed on general nutrition, infectious diseases, management and husbandry practices, while little attention was given to trace elements. Limited trace element studies have identified copper (Cu) as the most important trace element for deer in terms of observed clinical signs of deficiency, namely enzootic ataxia and osteochrondrosis, and their possible impact on animal performance (Wilson et al. 1979; Thompson et al. 1994). To ensure that the Cu status of deer is adequate, and to determine if a Cu supplementation strategy is necessary, it is important to understand the distribution, function and metabolism of Cu, as well as dietary Cu requirements and criteria to diagnosis Cu deficiency. Keywords: Cervus elaphus, copper, deficiency, dietary requirements, fertiliser, forage, red deer, supplementation strategies