How to Mix Copper Sulfate

How to Mix Copper Sulfate. Copper sulfate is commonly used to treat a hoof disease called foot rot that is often found in sheep and cattle as a result of the hooves being wet for long periods of time. It is important to treat the disease before it causes the animal to go lame. Soaking the cattle's hooves in a copper sulfate solution helps treat the condition and provide some relief for the animals.

Things Needed

• Large, non-metal bucket
• 5 gallons hot water
• 1 cup vinegar

Step 1

Pour 5 gallons of hot water into a large container. Use a barrel or tub made from a material that is not metal. Copper may cause corrosion in metal.

Step 2

Measure 4 pounds of copper sulfate and mix into the hot water until it is completely dissolved. Mix 1 cup of vinegar into the solution to aid in dissolving the copper sulfate.

Step 3

Mix a dry solution of 1 pound of copper sulfate with 9 pounds of hydrated lime. This dry solution can be used in place of the liquid solution, if desired

Warnings

• Sheep should stand in the water for 30 minutes.
• Cattle should walk through the solution three times a day.

Warnings

• Watch the sheep while they are in contact with the liquid, because it is toxic to them if they drink it.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Control, Treatment and Elimination of Foot Rot From Sheep
• North Dakota State University Extension: Calculating Dilutions for Footbaths