5. Copper and Molybdenum Copper deficiency is 2 nd most common in world Much work in UK has surrounded distillery by- products – pot-ale/pot-ale syrup/dark grains Can be primary or secondary (Fe/S/Mo) Controversy over mechanisms;- –Molybdenum toxicity – Telfer (Black) –Copper deficiency & Laboratory anomalies (Suttle)

8. Weeks on treatment Phillippo et al., (1987) Plasma Cu concentration (mmol/l) Effect of dietary molybdenum and iron on plasma copper concentration in heifers

9. Weeks on treatment Phillippo et al., (1987) Liver Cu concentration (mmol/l) Effect of dietary molybdenum and iron on liver copper concentration in heifers

10. Weeks on treatment Phillippo et al., (1987) Cumulative daily weight gain (kg) Effect of dietary molybdenum and iron on cumulative daily weight gain in heifers

11. Age at puberty (days) Phillippo et al., (1987) Treatment Puberty = Plasma progesterone >1 ng/ml for >6 days Effect of dietary molybdenum and iron on age at reaching puberty in heifers

14. Significant findings from Phillippo et al 1987 Compared with controls and Fe groups Mo supplementation has marked effects;- Reduced LWG (P<0.05 expt 1, P<0.1 expt 2) (reduced food conversion efficiency) Delayed onset of puberty (P<0.05) Lowered basal LH levels (peak levels P<0.1) Decreased frequency of LH release (P<0.01) Increased incidence of ovulation failure (P<0.05) Reduced conception rate (P<0.05 (if expressed as those that ovulated))

15. Copper and Molybdenum Assessment of copper status is problematical –Liver main storage organ and most accurate? –Plasma copper levels can be maintained –TCA – Cu-thiomoybdate complex – unavailable <22% of cattle have TCA in blood – Leeds Univ. (<68%) –Caeruloplasmin – 6 Cu atoms per molecule Attack by Mo – rendered inactive NB – is an acute phase protein –CP:PlCu ratio Low 1.9

17. The Relationship Between ‘Calving- pregnancy’ Intervals and Variables.

18. 110136160

19. 0.65 0.42 0.47

20. Copper and Molybdenum Mechanisms of Cu deficiency/Mo toxicity –LH pulsatility reduced size and frequency Cu-histidine complexes required for GnRH release ACTH release blocked Possibly associated with PAM Possible associated with cytochrome c-oxidase which is required for oxidative phosphorylation and energy production in the cell

21. Control 500 mg/kg DM Iron 2 mg/kg DM Molybdenum10 mg/kg DM Molybdenum (Williams, 2004 ) Effect of Molybdenum and Iron on ACTH accumulation in pituitary glands of sheep

24. All Services Q-Sum Restocking Feed Changes BVD Vaccination Cosecure