Influence of Molybdenum in Drinking Water or Feed on Copper Metabolism in Cattle—A Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The majority of research examining the antagonist impact of molybdenum (Mo) on copper (Cu) absorption and metabolism in ruminants has been conducted by supplementing dietary Mo, alone or in combination with elevated dietary sulfur (S) concentrations, and monitoring the Cu status of the animals. However, little research has been conducted investigating the impact of Mo in water on Cu metabolism in ruminants. Based on the limited number of experiments available for this review, it appears that Mo in drinking water may have a lower antagonistic impact on Cu status in cattle when compared to Mo consumed in the diet. Therefore, this review will focus on the impact of Mo in drinking water on cattle performance and Mo and Cu metabolism. ABSTRACT: The majority of Mo research has focused on the antagonist effect of Mo, alone or in combination with elevated dietary S, on Cu absorption and metabolism in ruminants. Diets containing both >5.0 mg of Mo/kg DM and >0.33% S have been reported to reduce the Cu status in cattle and sheep. Therefore, due to the potential for inducing Cu deficiency, Mo and S concentrations in the diet should be monitored and kept within appropriate values. Elevated sulfate concentrations in drinking water can also be detrimental to livestock production, especially in ruminants. High concentrations of sulfate in water have been extensively studied in cattle because high-sulfate water induces polioencephalomalacia in ruminants. However, little research has been conducted investigating the impact of Mo in water on Cu metabolism in ruminants. Based on the limited number of published experiments, it appears that Mo in drinking water may have a lower antagonistic impact on the Cu status in cattle when compared to Mo consumed in the diet. This response may be due to a certain percentage of water bypassing the rumen when consumed by ruminants. Therefore, the objective of this review was to examine the impact of Mo in drinking water on cattle performance and Mo and Cu metabolism.