[Jacob-list] Re:minerals, symptoms

[Grose]

I do not see evidence of jaundice prior to illness, though there is not much reason to look until they fall over. Keep in mind that I have not had  copper toxicity in the Jacobs. As I understand it, sheep are amaisingly good at conserving copper, which is stored in the liver. I do not know if you can test for liver enzymes to fortell problems. Some treatment is supposed to be possible by feeding chelated minerals which are formulated to tie up the copper and allow it to be excreted. 
Sheep breeds differ in copper tolerance accordding to where the base breed stock evolved. Geographic areas which hwd naturally low levels of copper yield sheep breeds that fall over dead at a wiff of copper. Those areas with high levels of copper yield breeds that show little or no problems. Silver Lincolns die before white ones which die before Black faces which die before Finns etc. In addition, different forages, grains, and mineral mixes have copper that is absorbed differently. Absorbtion is also affected by pH in the rumen
It is not a bad idea to have your forages tested for copper as well as other nutriants. Be confident in you mineral supplier. Mineral suppliment is the CHEAPEST part of  rations, including water. It makes no sense to simply buy the cheapest thing on the market.
                                               Neal Grose 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gary Tomas Fay 
  To: Grose 
  Sent: Friday, August 17, 2001 10:55 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Re:minerals, symptoms


  Neal, 
  Do you notice any jaundice or other indications of liver failure? 

  Gary 

  Grose wrote: 

    The most common symptom of copper toxicity is unexpected death. Around lambing, you will see severe depression, failure to lamb properly, failure to clean off after lambing, abortions, etc. Since these things will happen on weekends and holidays, you can expect necropsy reports to read: "No report possible due to advanced state of decomposition". If you lose one on Friday night, and one is down on Monday morning; throw it in the back of the truck and call the vet or lab and tell them you are on the way.Copper toxicity is the metabolic equivalent of setting off a hand grenade inside the sheep.                                               Neal Grose
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