Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Copper Deficiency and Welfare

Copper deficiency (swayback and enzootic ataxia) causes neurological damage in lambs and affects productivity and welfare of ewes, requiring careful nutritional management.

Key Facts

Copper deficiency causes swayback in newborn lambs and enzootic ataxia in older lambs
Clinical signs include progressive hindlimb paralysis, poor fleece, and ill-thrift
High soil molybdenum and sulphur can reduce copper absorption even in adequate-copper diets
Blood and liver copper levels are measured to diagnose deficiency
Supplementation must be carefully managed as copper toxicity is a serious risk in sheep

Welfare Considerations

Lambs affected by swayback suffer neurological impairment that may prevent normal standing, suckling or movement - affecting both welfare and survival. Early identification of copper status in flocks through metabolic profiling helps prevent deficiency while avoiding dangerous over-supplementation.

What You Can Do

Work with a vet or nutritionist to test flock copper status before supplementing
Understand the antagonistic effects of molybdenum and sulphur on copper absorption
Avoid over-supplementing copper - sheep are sensitive to copper toxicity
Report any lambs showing hindlimb weakness promptly for veterinary assessment