Abstract
To evaluate the effects of molybdenum (Mo)- and sulfur (S)- induced copper (Cu) deficiency, 99 prepubertal heifers were allotted into two groups. Treated heifers (n = 72) were fed a grass hay naturally high in Mo (Mo = 8 ppm and Cu = 3.2 ppm). Sulfur was supplemented to achieve a dietary level of .3%. Control heifers (n = 27) received a grass hay with normal levels of Mo (Mo = .47 ppm and Cu = 1.5 ppm). Copper was supplemented to achieve a dietary level of 8 ppm. Diets were fed for a period of 163 d. Liver samples were collected and analyzed for total Cu. Copper-containing enzyme activity (ceruloplasmin and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase [Cu,Zn-SOD]), and progesterone were measured in blood serum. Heifers in the treated group had lower concentrations of liver Cu and decreased ceruloplasmin activity, with no differences noted in Cu,Zn-SOD activity or onset of puberty. No difference was detected in first-service conception rate following artificial insemination (AI). Overall AI pregnancy rate tended to be higher for control heifers.
Highlights
In Kansas, copper (Cu) was determined to be deficient in several beef cow herds
Copper was supplemented to achieve a dietary level of 8 ppm
Copper-containing enzyme activity, and progesterone were measured in blood serum
Summary
In Kansas, copper (Cu) was determined to be deficient in several beef cow herds. Effect of molybdenum/sulfur-induced copper deficiency upon enzyme levels and reproduction in heifers (1993) "Effect of molybdenum/sulfur-induced copper deficiency upon enzyme levels and reproduction in heifers," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol 0: Iss. 1.
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