Which substance is known to be toxic and potentially deadly to sheep?

Copper is known to be toxic and potentially deadly to sheep due to their unique physiology and metabolism. Sheep have a much lower tolerance for copper than many other livestock species, meaning that even small amounts of copper can accumulate in their liver over time and lead to toxicity. This condition, known as copper toxicity or copper poisoning, can arise from the ingestion of feeds or minerals with high copper content, which are safe for other animals but harmful to sheep.

The symptoms of copper toxicity in sheep can include lethargy, diarrhea, jaundice, and in severe cases, sudden death. The accumulation of copper can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, which can be fatal. This highlights the importance of monitoring dietary copper levels in sheep management to prevent toxicity and ensure their health and well-being.

In contrast, while substances like zinc, lead, and arsenic are also toxic to various degrees, copper stands out specifically for its dangerous effects on sheep due to their unique metabolic response.