Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T18:55:31.508Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Effect of ionophores on the accumulation of copper in the livers of sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. B. J. van Ryssen
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of Natal, PO Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
P. R. Barrowman
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of Natal, PO Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
Get access

Abstract

Lambs were allocated to three treatments: control (C), monensin (M) and lasalocid sodium (L) in a concentrate diet containing 36 mg copper per kg food. After 2 months deaths from copper toxicity occurred and the trial was terminated. All lambs were slaughtered. The mean liver copper concentration (mg/kg dry matter) of 1907 in the M treatment was higher than the mean concentrations of 1342 and 1229 in the C and L groups respectively (P < 0·01). Total liver copper was 234, 260 and 230 mg and the retention of dietary copper in the liver was 93·5, 108·5 and 93·3 g/kg for the C, M and L treatments respectively. These differences were not significant. From reduced liver size (as a proportion of body weight) and high copper levels in the kidneys, it was concluded that the group given monensin had accumulated copper to a level closer to the toxicity threshold than the other two groups.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1987

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Association of Official Analytical Chemists. 1980. Official Methods of Analysis. 13th ed. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
Berger, W. G. and Bates, D. B. 1984. Ionophores: Their effect on production efficiency and mode of action. Journal of Animal Science 58: 14651483.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dick, A. T. 1944. Aspiration biopsy of the liver in sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal 20: 298303.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Elsasser, T. H. 1984. Potential interactions of ionophore drugs with divalent cations and their function in the animal body. Journal of Animal Science 59: 845–853.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gopinath, C., Hall, G. A. and Howell, J. McC. 1974 The effect of chronic copper poisoning on the kidneys of sheep. Research in Veterinary Science 16: 5769.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gopinath, C. and Howell, J. McC. 1975. Experimental chronic copper toxicity in sheep. Changes that follow the cessation of dosing at the onset of haemolysis. Research in Veterinary Science 19: 3543.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Harrison, T. J. 1986. The effect of molybdenum and sulphur on copper metabolism in sheep, as influenced by breed type. M.Sc.(Agric) Thesis, University of Natal.Google Scholar
Ishmael, J., Gopinath, C. and Howeix, J. McC. 1971. Experimental chronic copper toxicity in sheep. Histological and histochemical changes during the development of the lesions in the liver. Research in Veterinary Science 12: 358366.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ishmael, J., Gopinath, C. and Howell, J. McC. 1972. Experimental chronic copper toxicity in sheep. Biochemical and haematological studies during the development of lesions in the liver. Research in Veterinary Science 13: 2229.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kirk, D. J., Greene, L. W., Schelling, G. T. and Byers, F. M. 1985a. Effects of monensin on monovalent ion metabolism and tissue concentrations in lambs. Journal of Animal Science 60: 14791484.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kirk, D. J., Greene, L. W., Schelling, G. T. and Byers, F. M. 1985b. Effects of monensin on Mg, Ca, P and Zn metabolism and tissue concentrations in lambs. Journal of Animal Science 60: 14851490.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lawes Agricultural Trust. 1980. Genstat V, Mark 4.03. Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.Google Scholar
Mackie, R. I. and Therion, J. J. 1984. Influence of mineral interactions on growth efficiency of rumen bacteria. In Herbivore Nutrition in the Subtropics and Tropics (ed. Gilchrist, F. M. and Mackie, R. I.), pp. 455477. Science Press (Pty) Ltd, South Africa.Google Scholar
MacPherson, A. and Hemingway, R. G. 1969. The relative merit of various blood analyses and liver function tests in giving an early diagnosis of chronic copper poisoning in sheep. British Veterinary Journal 125: 213221.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mašek, J., Gilka, J. and Dočekalová, H. 1985. A note on an effect of sodium monensinate supplements on the level of some chemical elements in the organs and muscle of feedlot steers. Animal Production 40: 511513.Google Scholar
Ross, D. B. 1964. Chronic copper poisoning in lambs. Veterinary Record 76: 875876.Google Scholar
Ross, D. B. 1966. The diagnosis, prevention and treatment of chronic copper poisoning in housed lambs. British Veterinary Journal 122: 279284.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Starnes, S. R., Spears, J. W., Froetschel, M. A. and Croom, W. J. 1984. Influence of monensin and lasalocid on mineral metabolism and ruminal urease activity in steers. Journal of Nutrition 114: 518525.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Steel, R. G. D. and Torrie, J. M. 1960. Principles and Procedures of Statistics. McGraw-Hill, New York.Google Scholar
Todd, J. R. and Thompson, R. H. 1963. Studies on chronic copper poisoning: II. Biochemical studies on the blood of sheep during the haemolytic crisis. British Veterinary Journal 119: 161173.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Vijchulata, P., Henry, P. R., Ammerman, C. B., Potter, S. G., Palmer, A. Z. and Becker, H. N. 1980. Effect of dried citrus pulp and cage layer manure in combination with monensin on performance and tissue mineral composition in finishing steers. Journal of Animal Science 50: 10221030.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Woolliams, J. A., Suttle, N. F., Wlener, G., Fleld, A. C. and Woolliams, C. 1982. The effect of breed of sire on the accumulation of copper in lambs, with particular reference of copper toxicity. Animal Production 35: 299307.Google Scholar