The Effects of Calcium Carbonate, Lead Acetate and Copper Supplements on Blood and Liver Copper Concentrations of Young Sheep

Abstract

SUMMARY Lead acetate supplying 100 mg. Pb per day reduced both blood and liver copper concentrations of young sheep when given for periods of between 7 and 13 weeks. Calcium carbonate (35g. per day for the same period) did not reduce liver copper contents but slightly depressed blood copper concentrations. Of a single injection of copper glycine 58 per cent was stored in the liver. Copper sulphate (0·5 g. every 14 days) significantly increased liver copper contents, but only 2·4 per cent of this additional copper was stored in the liver. Copper glycine given parenterally was more effective than drenching with copper sulphate. There was a good correlation between liver copper values and blood copper concentrations at the time of slaughter when the liver copper contents were below 50 p.p.m. in the dry matter.