Copper in soils, plants, and ruminant animal nutrition with special reference to sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is not only essential as a component of a number of different plant enzymes and necessary for the activity of several specific enzymes, it is also an important constituent of blood proteins necessary for the normal physiological functioning of the animal body. The role of Cu in agricultural production has been documented by several authors and these reviews mainly relate to work in the temperate regions.

This review has attempted to extract all available information in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) on the role of Cu on the soil, plant and animal systems. It discusses the content of Cu in the soil and plant, its role and biochemistry and methods of analysis with special reference to research in SSA. The need to maintain adequate levels of Cu levels in the soil and forage crops for ruminant animal consumption is emphasised. Factors such as age, physiological state, breed, dry matter intake and source of Cu which influence dietary Cu requirements of ruminant animals were reviewed. Deficiency and toxicity cases of Cu in animals have been diagnosed in many SSA countries. Although there are several ways of correcting Cu deficiency and toxicity problems, success depends on the ability to identify the underlying causes. The interaction of Cu with other minerals, in particular molybdenum (Mo) and sulfur (S), is an important factor determining whether a deficiency or toxicity is “simple”; or “conditioned”;.