Liver biopsy as a technique for assessing copper status of sheep

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Abstract
A procedure for taking biopsy samples from the ovine liver by a paracostal route was described. Samples were taken from 120 Merino rams on up to 3 occasions over 3 mo. At the end of the period, the rams were subjected to 2 further biopsies and were then slaughtered, and the liver was removed and homogenized. Cu contents of all samples were determined. Frequency of biopsy did not affect hepatic Cu concentration which was significantly overestimated by the biopsy method by .apprx. 5%. Variability associated with the biopsy procedure was .apprx. .+-. 30-40 mg Cu/kg DM [dry matter] (SD) and was small relative to variability between animals. Experimental designs were preferred in which samples were taken before and after treatments were applied; changes in concentration were then analyzed. Such anaylses eliminated errors associated with variability between animals and the small bias in the sampling procedure. Liver biopsy did not significantly reduce body weight or the rate of gain.

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