Parenteral administration of copper to sheep

Abstract

Extract

Copper glycinate cerates have proved effective in field use as a means of supplying copper to sheep and to cattle, but in some cases disappointment has been experienced with sheep because of the formation of sterile abscesses at the site of injection. This is objectionable, largely on aesthetic grounds, in store animals, as in most cases the abscesses will eventually subside by discharging to the exterior or by contraction to a small nodule, without any ill-effect to the sheep or any interference to its acquisition of copper from the injection. In meat animals, economic loss may occur through condemnation of a portion of the carcass if, through misplaced zeal for treatment, cerates have been administered a short time before slaughter.