Copper Metabolism of Holstein and Jersey Cows and Heifers Fed Diets High in Cupric Sulfate or Copper Proteinate

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546

Eight Holstein and 8 Jersey primiparous cows (3 d postcalving) and 8 Holstein and 8 Jersey growing heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 treatments in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to compare Cu metabolism between Holsteins and Jerseys and the bioavailabilities of Cu in Cu proteinate and CuSO₄. The variables were Holstein or Jersey, Cu supplementation at 5 or 80 mg/kg of DM, and supplements of CuSO₄ or Cu proteinate. Jerseys had higher hepatic Cu concentrations than did Holsteins on d 60 (346 vs. 303 µg/g of DM). At the high Cu supplementation, hepatic Cu increased more rapidly, and content was higher in Jerseys than in Holsteins by d 60 (520 vs. 439 µg/g of DM). On d 0, plasma Cu concentrations were 0.99 and 0.80 µg/ml, and, on d 60, concentrations were 0.96 and 0.88 µg/m l for Jerseys and Holsteins, respectively. Overall, serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was greater for Jerseys than for Holsteins. Jersey cows and heifers also had greater hepatic Fe (208 vs. 173 µg/g of DM) and lower hepatic Zn (82 vs. 91 µg/g of DM) than did Holstein cows and heifers at d 60. The bioavailability of Cu in Cu proteinate and CuSO₄ was the same. Plasma Cu concentration and ceruloplasmin have limited value as indicators of Cu status and availability to dairy cows and heifers.

Key Words: copper • Jersey • Holstein • copper proteinate

Submitted on May 22, 1995
Accepted on April 2, 1996

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