A survey of the incidence of copper deficiency in dairy cattle in coastal Queensland south of Brisbane

Abstract

Copper deficiency in dairy cattle has been diagnosed over most of the lower watersheds of Queensland rivers south of Brisbane by analysis of livers from slaughtered animals. Blood copper concentrations were also used as an index for a few properties from which livers were not available. Samples were obtained from 127 properties, of which 95 were copper deficient. There is a correlation between the distribution of alluvial soils in this area and the incidence of copper deficiency in cattle. It is postulated that the low fertility of these alluvial soils and the dominance of narrow-leaved carpet grass (Axonopus affinis) may account for this correlation.