The effect of sulphate and molybdenum on copper metabolism in cattle

Abstract

Jersey cattle were fed from yearling stage for 2 years on a ration low in copper and molybdenum, and containing 0.1 % of inorganic sulphate; supplements of these substances were dosed to different groups. Additional molybdenum increased blood and liver molybdenum and decreased blood and liver copper. Inorg:lnic sulphate in addition to molybdenum prevented accumulation of molybdenum in blood or liver, but did not increa,e the loss of copper from blood or liver. It was concluded that any interaction there m:ly be between molybdenum and sulphate on copper was provided for by the 0.1 % inorganic sulphate in the basal ration. It is suggested that the sensitivity of cattle to high molybdenum is related to the low level of accompanying inorganic sulphate that is necessary to cause loss of copper.