Effect of excessive supplementation of sulphur on copper metabolism and antioxidant status in young cattle

The study researched the effects of excessive sulphur on copper metabolism and antioxidant status in young cattle. It was conducted on twelve calves in good health, divided into four groups. Mineral supplements were applied over a period of 35 days: elementary sulphur (0,15 g/kg body weight), copper (0,35 mg/kg body weight), and both sulphur and copper in the previously mentioned doses. K was the control group. The calves were examined to determine the concentration of copper and ceruloplasmin in their serum, erythrocyte su-peroxide dismusate activity and total antioxidant status. The copper content in their liver, kidneys, muscles and brain was measured at the end of the study. The results indicated that an excess of sulphur changes the metabolism of copper to a reasonable extent by diminishing the active copper content in serum, but does not reduce its reserve content in the liver. Changes in copper metabolism due to the application of sulphur does not have an important influence on antioxidant status even in such stressful circumstances as partial food deprivation over a period of 7 days.