Copper Supplement
|
So you're probably wondering WHY some people supplement goats with copper.
Copper deficiencies both in the soil and in feed can lead to fading coat colors, hair loss on the tip of the tails, general unthriftiness, parasitism, etc.
Copper oxide wire particles were developed for copper deficiency in cattle, but they have also been found to reduce parasite loads in sheep and goats. The form of copper used in copper oxide wire particles is absorbed very slowly, reducing the risk of copper toxicity.
The Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC) has an article which describes how copper oxide wire particles can be used to treat internal parasites in sheep and goats. The publication contains information on how to make boluses of copper wire oxide particles, and reports results of studies on the effectiveness of this treatment. Click here to read more about this study.
|
|
|
Based on our veterinarian's recommendation we
have been using the following dosages for COWP orally with good
success:
0.5 gram - goats 30lbs and under The higher end of the dosage is used more for help with parasite control (prolonging the period between dewormings), while the lower end of the dosage is typically used as a starter for signs of copper deficiency. Based on the USDA info found here these dosages are well within the safe range and as with all mineral supplement the smallest portion needed should be given first before giving a higher dosage.
We use a scale which my husband already had that measured in grains and simply convert the grains to grams, but any grams or similar scale will work.
|
|
 Our scale
|
 Here we are weighing the COWP (aka copper rods).
|
 Pouring the copper rods into a small portion of marshmallow
|
 Copper rods on the gooey part of a marshmallow.
|
 Simply squeeze the marshmallow together with the copper on the inside.
|
 Place the marshmallow inside the goat's mouth and over the back of the tongue to get them to eat it. Once they taste the marshmallow they should easily swallow it and may even look for more. (I do not recommend feeding marshmallows as a regular treat due to the high sugar content.)
|
|
We discussed in depth with other breeders and
our veterinarian the possibilities of other methods of giving the
COWP (aka copper rods) other than having to bolus a capsule down
the throat of every goat. Our veterinarian offered to help
us with our study of the marshmallow method of administration
versus bolusing a filled gelatin capsule. In
the x-rays below the copper rods can be clearly seen in 2 different
sections of the rumen. The larger section of copper rods are still
being held together by some marshmallow. It's important to use the
smallest amount of marshmallow needed, because too much marshmallow may
prevent the rods from imbedding in the rumen as they are intended.
|
|
 1 day after giving copper rods in marshmallow
|
 1 day after giving copper rods in marshmallow
|
|
In
the x-rays below there are many copper rods in 3 different sections of the
rumen, but the individual rods are so tiny they aren't visible in the
photos as they are in the x-rays themselves. The group of copper rods you can see
in these photos are what remains from the copper rods clumped in marshmallow on the previous x-rays.
|
|
 9 days after giving copper rods in marshmallow
|
 9 days after giving copper rods in marshmallow
|
|
After
reviewing these radiographs our veterinarian, Dr.
Justin Mims, feels certain that this method of giving the copper
oxide wire particles in marshmallow works just as well as bolusing with
a gelatin capsule. The marshmallow makes the copper much easier to give and
has the added benefit of less stress to the goat. *Update: We've also had some small success giving the copper rods in peanut butter. It's a bit more messy to deal with, but worth trying if you find the marshmallow method difficult. *Disclaimer* |
|
According
to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (
|
Related Articles |
| Copper
Deficiency in Dairy Goats - Great info, many links Importance of Copper for Fertility and Health, by Jackie Nix Copper Toxicity, by Carol Raczykowski USDA information on using Copper Oxide Wire Particles (COWP) |