Influence of Ration Copper on Minerals in the Hair of Hereford and Holstein Calves2

    September 1970 in “ Journal of Animal Science ”
    C. C. O'mary, Μ. C. Bell, N. N. Sneed, W. T. Butts
    TLDR Copper in the diet helps maintain hair color and mineral balance in calves.
    The study aimed to determine the influence of dietary copper on hair pigmentation and mineral concentration in the hair of Hereford and Holstein calves. Previous research indicated that copper deficiency could lead to hair depigmentation and a dull coat in cattle, potentially due to the interaction between copper and molybdenum affecting the enzyme tyrosinase. The study explored how varying levels of copper and molybdenum in the diet affected hair color and mineral content, with findings suggesting that high levels of molybdenum could lead to hair color loss over time. The research contributed to understanding the role of copper in maintaining hair pigmentation and mineral balance in cattle.
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