Question of the Day

Low dietary copper levels (Cu) causes bones of growing animals to be brittle because they do not develop the normal trabecular structure.

Higher fracture rates are seen in Cu deficient than in Cu replete animals. In areas with high levels of molybdenum (Mb) in the soil, Cu levels are often low. Mb interferes with absorption of Cu, hence Mb excess results in Cu deficiency.

Pathologic fractures are more common during periods of exertion, such as the morning round up. Rough handling exacerbates the number of fractures.

Treatment of Cu deficiency includes copper glycinate injections, and feeding of mineral mixes with Cu. Copper boluses can also be given.

Pathologic fractures can be seen with hypovitaminosis D growing cattle, but this is unlikely in beef cattle on pasture, esp. in the southern United States where there’s plenty of sunlight. Occasionally seen in northern cows in winter or show calves housed primarily indoors. 

Calcium-deficient calves may also develop a similar syndrome of pathologic fractures.

Image courtesy of Dr. Lisle George.