The effect of copper sulfate and zinc oxide in a drench on the gain and health of newly arrived calves

One hundred and fifty-four bull calves shipped from Georgia wer e allotted randomly to receive 40 ml of either a water (control) or a Cu-Zn drench treatment. The Cu-Zn treatment contained 250 mg Cu from copper sulfate, 650 mg Zn from zinc oxide, and 400 IU of Vitamin E. Additionally, they were dewormed with Inomec®, implanted with Ralgro®, and mass medic ated with Micotil®. The calves were weighed on days 1, 14, 28, and 56. The calves were vaccinated at arrival with modified-live IBR+BVD+P I , 7-way 3 blackleg, and Presponse®. On day 28, they were surgically castrated. The calves were fed an average of 6.25 lbs per day of a 16% crude protein milled ration plus prairie hay to appetite (average consum ption of 3.7 lb/day).