Incidence maps show bovine hypocupraemia to be a widespread problem in the cattle-populated regions of the United Kingdom. Absolute copper defciency, molybdenum-, sulphur- and iron-induced hypocupraemia have been demonstrated on commercial farms and there are specific areas with a high incidence of hypocupraemia, particularly in parts of Cumbria, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Somerset, County Down and Londonderry.

Molybdenum- and sulphur-induced copper deficiency is probably mediated through thiomolybdates formed in the rumen, which then react with copper and particulate matter to form highly stable compounds that cannot be digested and absorbed. The consequential loss in physical and financial performance can be high. Hence, a protected source of copper, which by-passes the rumen, could offer an effective method of improving performance.

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the efficacy of copper sulphate sequestered to a polysaccharide coating (Carbosan Copper, Quali Tech Inc Chaska, Minnesota, USA) with conventional copper sulphate using finishing beef cattle on a grass silage-based diet.