EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES INTO COPPER STATUS OF SHEEP

Copper levels were determined in blood serum, liver, and CNS samples which had been collected from 22 lambs. Ten tests were applied to each of the samples. Measured series were statistically compared. No unidirectional deviation in copper concentrations of the above substrates was recordable from the majority of cases. Hence, definition of indicator organs did not appear to be justified. Blood serum from animals of pedigree herds was investigated for assessment of the copper status in ewes. Herds were chosen with characteristic differences between stronger and moderate performance.