Injectable Copper and Tissue Composition of Cattle

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Abstract
Cu in blood plasma and liver and tissue reactions were compared for cattle injected with various amounts of Cu salts of glycine or edetate. In young Holstein calves, initial concentrations of Cu in blood plasma were normal (89 .mu.g/dl). At 1 h postinjection, concentrations in plasma and the change were higher for the edetate group than for the glycinate group. Thereafter no differences of plasma Cu occurred between forms of Cu. Differences between concentrations of Cu in plasma, especially for higher injections, occurred during the first 24 h but only occasionally thereafter. Hemolysis was severe during the 1st wk when 240 mg of Cu edetate was administered, but without mortality. Cu edetate caused less tissue irritation than equivalent Cu from glycinate. Calves apparently mobilize injected Cu rapidly from the subcutaneous site of injection, especially Cu edetate, but concentrations in plasma are only increased temporarily. Cu is stored rapidly in the liver postinjection and probably serves to minimize toxic hemoconcentrations of Cu.