Caeruloplasmin activity as an indication of plasma copper levels in sheep

Authors: Lorentz PP, Gibb FM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 1-2, pp 1-3, Jan 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Sheep
Subject Terms: Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Copper, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Poisoning - chemical
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Caeruloplasmin, a copper-containing glycoprotein incorporates approximately 80% of the total plasma copper. Todd (1970) has shown that the estimation of caeruloplasmin can be used as a rapid method for detecting copper deficiency in cattle. In a limited study with 37 sheep, Srivastava and Dwaraknath (1971) demonstrated that caeruloplasmin activity was correlated with blood copper levels (r = 0.7523). During pregnancy, plasma copper levels in sheep fall, and rise again after parturition (Butler, 1963). Low levels of caeruloplasmin have been found in foetal and new-born lambs, adult levels appearing within 3 days of birth (McCosker, 1968). The present paper presents data on the relationship between caeruloplasmin activity and plasma copper levels in sheep of different ages and maintained under different conditions.

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