Copper toxicosis in lambs fed milk replacer.

Thirty-four hysterectomy derived, crossbred lambs were fed a commercial, lamb milk replacer, containing added copper from birth. Twenty-five lambs died, four were killed and five survived. At necropsy, generalized icterus, enlarged kidneys and enlarged or small livers were found.CLINICAL PATHOLOGY FINDINGS INCLUDED: responsive hemolytic anemia and occasional spherocytosis, hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria and urinary casts, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, a liver copper content range of 38-584 ppm; a kidney copper content 6-86 ppm, and serum aspartate amino-transferase level range of 150-302 I.U./L. Histopathologically there was either periacinar hepatic necrosis or widespread portal fibrosis and nephrosis.The role of age and stress in the development of toxicosis is discussed.