Young animals are more susceptible to the toxicity. However, mature British breed ewes are the most susceptible. These breeds include Suffolks, Oxfords, and Shropshires. Texels from Netherland are the most susceptible. Finnsheep are the least likely to develop a copper toxicity.
Merino sheep have an intermediate occurance of copper toxicity.
Texel Clinical Signs of Copper Toxicity Sheep will suddenly go off feed and become very weak. The mucous membranes and skin will turn a yellowish brown. Hemoglobin is present in the urine turning it a dark red-brown. When the corpse is necropsied, the liver will be pale tan and the kidneys will be dark greenish black. Treatment Treatment may be effective if the level of toxicity is low and is diagnosed right away.