The copper status of beef cattle in Northern Ireland

Abstract
Serum ceruloplasmin (ferroxidase I; EC 1.16.3.1) activity has been used as an indicator of copper status of cattle to survey beef herds in Northern Ireland. The main survey covered some 20,000 cows on 1200 farms. The results are reported in the form of a map showing areas where herds of low and very-low Cu status predominate. Clinical signs of Cu deficiency in calves were encountered in only 2 areas.