Effects of copper therapy on steers in the brigalow region of central Queensland

Abstract

Steers grazing improved pasture on brigalow country in central Queensland were found to have low blood and liver copper levels. Copper therapy at approximately 12-week intervals and later 6-week intervals between February 14, 1977 and November 27, 1978 increased the liveweight gain of animals by 29 kg (P < 0.05) over that of untreated controls. Blood and liver copper levels and ceruloplasmin activity were increased (P<0. 01) by treatment but did not reach satisfactory levels until two treatments at 6-week intervals were given.