Using sodium molybdate to treat chronic copper toxicity in dairy cows: A practical approach.
Abstract


METHODS
A Jersey herd of 350 cows and 70 heifers located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand ceased milking in June 2011. Ten cows died during the subsequent 14 days. For at least 9 months, the cows had received palm kernel expeller (PKE) and molasses supplements. Additional Cu supplementation was provided through the water system. Total Cu intake was calculated to be 400 mg/day/cow.


RESULTS
Half of the cows died suddenly while others presented with anorexia, depression and ataxia, which progressed to recumbency and death after 1 to 3 days. Clinical signs were mild dehydration, cyanosis and firm faeces which were covered in dark blood. Mean concentrations of Cu in liver and kidney in three of the dead cows were 3,900 and 440 µmol/kg fresh weight (FW), respectively. Haemorrhages were observed throughout the alimentary tracts and in muscles, and there were ecchymotic haemorrhages on the epi- and endocardia. The livers were swollen and the gall bladder walls were inflamed.


METHODS
High concentrations of Cu in the liver and kidney are characteristic findings of chronic Cu toxicity.


METHODS
The remaining herd was fed 200 mg Mo, as sodium molybdate, per cow per day and all Cu supplements were removed including those provided by the water supply. This reduced mean concentrations of Cu in liver from 3,100 to 1,320 µmol/kg FW within 26 days in the five live animals that were biopsied. There were no further deaths.


CONCLUSIONS
In dairy herds where excessive Cu intakes have resulted in high liver Cu concentrations and caused chronic Cu toxicity, the removal of all Cu supplements and provision of high intakes of Mo (200 mg/cow/day) can markedly reduce liver Cu stores within 4 weeks.
a Okato Veterinary Clinic , 56 Cumming Street, Okato 4335 , New Zealand.
Pl
P
Morgan
Nd
N
Grace
Dp
D
Lilley
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D008982:Molybdenum / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D014867:Water; D003300:Copper; D008982:Molybdenum; C024687:sodium molybdate(VI)