Sheep

K-Copps

Rated by our customers

Sheep

K-Copps

Rated by our customers

K-Copps is a targeted and gradual-release copper supplement for small ruminant livestock that effectively combats copper deficiencies while adhering to kosher and Halal dietary standards.

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Direction

Capsules are administered orally via a carrousel gun

Administer by applicator gun at the back of the tongue- an audible gulp denotes successful application.

	Weight	No. of Capsules
Lambs/Goats/Kids	>15kg	1 x 2.1 g
Adult Sheep	40-60kg	1 x 4.2g
Larger Sheep/Calves	<80kg	2 x 4.2g

Efficacy may vary, so the following practices should be followed:

To maximise particle retention:
- Minimise livestock disturbances after administration; avoid administering during husbandry changes, such as weaning or transferring between yards and fields (Suttle & Field, 2011).
To maximise impact:
- Administer when needs are most significant, such as during the last third of pregnancy for sheep and goats or after weaning for lambs and kids (Suttle, 2010).
To avoid under-administration:
- Repeat application in cases of sustained, severe deficiency or if clinical signs of weakness appear and copper status becomes subnormal (Suttle, 2010).
To avoid over-administration:
- Blood test stock to confirm the need for extra copper (Gould et al., 2009). Do not use other copper supplements. Do not administer to animals on energy-rich rations. Do not administer to breeds that absorb copper well, such as Texel sheep (Suttle and Field, 2011).

Product Information

K-Copps effectively addresses a copper deficiency in small ruminant livestock by bypassing the rumen and releasing copper directly in the abomasum, ensuring optimal absorption and utilisation.
K-Copps are cylindrical particles derived from partially oxidised copper wire, composed of 84-87% copper primarily as a well-blended mixture of cupric (CuO) and cuprous (Cu2O) oxides.
The unique composition of K-Copps, with a blend of cupric and cuprous oxides, enables a gradual release of copper over several weeks, providing a consistent supply to livestock and minimising the risk of subsequent deficiencies. Ensure that most of the supplement becomes trapped within the stomach (abomasum) once the capsules dissolve in the rumen (Grace et al., 2010). In the acidic abomasal environment (pH 2), copper is gradually released from the otherwise inert particles, providing a consistent supply of absorbable copper for several weeks (Suttle & Field, 2011).
K-Copps capsules are enclosed within robust capsules that adhere to kosher and Halal dietary standards, making the product suitable for use across various livestock management practices.
K-Copps is available in two weight options (2.1g and 4.2g), providing a tailored approach to copper supplementation based on the animal’s weight and copper requirements.
Copper oxide particles, or “needles,” have been used successfully to safely manage and prevent copper deficiency disorders in livestock worldwide for nearly 30 years, ensuring a reliable and well-tested solution for your animals.

Technical Information

Copper Deficiency and Antagonisms

Copper deficiency in grazing livestock occurs due to interactions in the rumen between copper and one or more antagonists (commonly sulfur (S), with or without iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo)), which reduce copper absorbability (Suttle, 2010). Copper requirements are highest when:

Livestock grazes on lush green pastures (>3g S/kg) (Gould et al., 2009)
Alkaline, Mo-rich soils are present (>2ppm Mo in herbage) (McDowell, 2003)
Soil ingestion increases Fe intake (bare pastures in arid or wet climates) (Suttle, 2010)
Drinking water is high in S (>250ppm) (Spears et al., 2011)

Copper oxide particles, or “needles,” are well-suited to counter these antagonisms as they bypass the rumen. They have been used successfully to safely manage and prevent copper deficiency disorders worldwide for nearly 30 years (Suttle, 2010).

Additional Information

Citations

Gould, L., Kendall, N. R., & Rink, A. (2009). Copper, molybdenum, and sulfate in UK pastures and their effect on available copper for ruminants. Livestock Science, 124(1-3), 136-142.
Suttle, N. F. (2010). Mineral nutrition of livestock. CABI.
Suttle, N. F., & Field, A. C. (2011). Effects of the copper status of ewes and lambs on the efficacy of copper oxide needles to prevent swayback. The Veterinary Record, 168(10), 266.