Copper intake in Texels

yetihead

I am looking for advice from Texel pedigree breeders on how much meal it is safe to feed them. I am feeding a couple of Texel rams about 2lbs of intensive lamb ration per day to keep them in condition. Is there a risk of them getting too much copper?

Arrow in the Knee

yetihead wrote: »

I am looking for advice from Texel pedigree breeders on how much meal it is safe to feed them. I am feeding a couple of Texel rams about 2lbs of intensive lamb ration per day to keep them in condition. Is there a risk of them getting too much copper?

First of.
I don't think you should be feeding potential breeding rams Intensive ration for a long period of time. There just for lambs destined for the factory.

Don't give them copper boluses.

cuff92

Oats and Hogget ration im feeding our rams including a Texal. More oats than ration aswell

ganmo

Are you supplementing the ewes?
Is the ground copper deficient?
What age/weight are the lambs?

If you are going to give copper I'd give them a dose of it rather that putting it in the feed.

yetihead

ganmo wrote: »

Are you supplementing the ewes?
Is the ground copper deficient?
What age/weight are the lambs?

If you are going to give copper I'd give them a dose of it rather that putting it in the feed.

No I don't need to supplement for copper. I am feeding them as one is a ram lamb and needs the extra push to keep growing. I've read that Texels are more susceptible to copper toxicity than other breeds so I am wondering if it is dangerous to feed them 2 lbs of intensive lamb ration for an extended period.

Thanks for all the replies!

ganmo

ok looking at this paper.

24mg/kg is a potentially toxic level. so you'll need less than that(if you decide to supplement with copper).

on the label due to a poxy eu law 24mg copper is 96mg copper sulphate


but I'd be very reluctant to put copper in a ration for sheep