Analysis of Copper and its Status in Cattle from Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

The copper status of cattle from 16 properties in the Morobe Province was investigated by the analysis of liver and serum for copper levels. It was found that fifteen properties had animals with copper concentrations in serum and liver samples which were below normal. The normal serum and liver copper concentration in cattle was 0.60ppm and too ppm Dry Matter. Haemolysed serum samples were often
found to give higher results than non-haemolysed serum samples. Samples stored for nine days at room temperature gave lower values than samples stored In the refrigerator or freezer. No significant differences were found between trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and glycerol procedures in sample preparation. Treatment of a test serum with the concentrations of 5,8,11,15,20 percent TCA. did not give any significant differences in copper concentration.