Coprac SC
Presentation
Large, maroon, hard gelatin capsules containing:
27g copper oxide, equivalent to 23.5 g metallic copper.
33 mg selenium.
50mg cobalt
Uses
Coprac-SC is a ruminal bolus for cattle, providing slow release supplementation of copper, and a short term supplementation of selenium and cobalt. Where dietary intake of copper, selenium or cobalt is low or where forage has a high molybdenum content, the health and productivity of the animal may be improved by supplementation of these elements.
Low copper intake gives reduced growth, depressed immunity and poor reproductive performance. If left unchecked, it can lead to anemia, lameness and thin, scouring, even dying animals. Copper deficiency is caused by either low copper content (primary deficiency) or high molybdenum, iron or sulphur content (secondary deficiency) in forage.
Selenium deficient stock may suffer from white muscle disease, increased still births and depressed fertility.
Cobalt deficient stock may have depressed appetites and/or show signs of general ill-thrift.
Coprac-SC capsules release supplementary copper, for up to 6 months. A proportion of the administered copper oxide lodges in the abomasum of the treated animal. This provides a sustained-release source of copper for absorption from the gut. This steady supplementation ensures adequate copper status but avoids the sharp rises in copper levels which can be associated with copper toxicity.
Coprac-SC also provides immediate, short term supplementation of selenium and cobalt at the time of dosing.
A proportion of the administered copper oxide lodges in the abomasum of the treated animal. This provides a sustained-release source of copper for absorption from the gut. This steady supplementation ensures adequate copper status but avoids the sharp rises in copper levels which can be associated with copper toxicity.
Dosage and administration
Coprac-SC capsules are administered orally. Place the capsule at the back of the mouth, beyond the hump of the tongue, using a suitable dosing gun (e.g. the Animax cattle dosing gun). To avoid injury, the dosing gun should be used carefully and without force. Normal swallowing movements should allow the dose to be passed easily into the back of the mouth, the capsule may then be ejected and passage of the gun beyond this point is not necessary. Always check that the animal swallows the capsule.
Dosage:
Adult cattle, over 300kg : 1 capsule
Administration of Coprac-SC to cattle should ensure adequate copper status for several months, even on severely deficient diets.
Further doses may then be necessary depending on individual circumstances.
Contra-indications, warnings, etc
Animals should only be dosed if copper deficiency exists or is known to be a risk.
To be used at intervals not less than 6 months.
Coprac-SC should not be used as a long term selenium or cobalt supplement. In areas of low dietary intake of selenium or cobalt, animals should be supplemented with other products from the Animax Tracesure range.
No other form of copper supplement should be given immediately prior to, or for 6 months after the administration of Coprac-SC capsules.
Do not use in areas where herbage is of high selenium content.
Do not use in pre-ruminant animals.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Pharmaceutical precautions
Gelatin capsules are relatively fragile; handle with care, and protect from freezing, moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Do not store above 25°C. Store in a dry place in the original container.
Legal category
This is not a veterinary medicine.
Package quantities
Coprac-SC capsules are available in packs containing 24 capsules.
Further information
Primary copper deficiency arises from a direct shortage of copper in the diet whereas secondary copper deficiency results from the antagonistic effects of elements such as molybdenum and sulphur upon absorption. Coprac-SC is an effective long acting supplement in both cases. The severity of copper deficiency, whether of primary or secondary origin, varies greatly from farm to farm. On most copper deficient sites one dose of Coprac-SC, given to grazing cattle at turnout, will maintain normocupraemia over the grazing season and leave animals with a substantial liver copper reserve at housing. It is impossible, however, to cover the full range of deficiency states with a simple dosing regime. Veterinary surgeons may need to adapt their advice to suit local conditions. The oral administration of copper obviates the risk of local lesions often associated with copper injections, as well as the risk of toxicity associated with too rapid a rise in blood copper concentration.
