Impact of Copper Sulfate Footbath Use on Manure, Soil, and Forage Copper Concentrations – Eastern Wisconsin
Agricultural Issues
Aerica Bjurstrom
Regional Dairy Educator
University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension
Luxemburg
Abstract
Footbaths are important to prevent animal lameness and maintain hoof health on dairy farms. According to a 2015 survey conducted by eastern Wisconsin Agriculture Educators of 45 eastern Wisconsin dairy farms, 75 percent of the farms utilized footbaths to promote hoof health, animal productivity, and longevity. The same project determined copper sulfate was the region's most used footbath disinfectant due to its relatively low cost per animal treated and effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of hoof lesions. Farmers typically dispose of used footbath solution in the farm’s manure handling system, which is ultimately applied to crop fields. Dairy nutritionists note increasing copper concentrations within locally grown and fed forages, with many forages exceeding a dairy cow’s nutritional need for copper. Excessive copper levels may lead to copper toxicity in dairy cattle livers, forages, and soil. When bioavailable and found in high concentrations within the soil, copper becomes toxic to plants and soil microbial communities, potentially resulting in increased economic and environmental concerns resulting from diminished crop productivity. A research project was conducted in 12 leading Wisconsin dairy counties in 2022 and completed in 2023 to determine if plant material, manure, and soil were excessive in copper levels in various soil types. Aerica Bjurstrom, the project’s primary investigator, collected soil, manure, and alfalfa plant material samples, with additional samples collected by six extension educators from 20 dairies ranging in herd size from 190 cows to 4,500. Bjurstrom also collected fresh liver samples from 25 Holstein cows from one of the participating farms. A farm management survey was distributed to all participating farms to capture a snapshot of footbath management, crop management practices, and manure management practices. The presentation will discuss the findings from the project, and the impact copper has on a dairy farm. The presentation will also discuss the future implications of excessive copper levels on plant, soil, and animal health.
Authors: Aerica Bjurstrom
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Aerica Bjurstrom Regional Dairy Educator, University of Wisconsin Extension, Wisconsin, 54217