COPPER POISONING

Effects of Copper Poisoning on Animals

Effects of Copper Poisoning on Animals

Introduction

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for many biological processes of plants and animals. It is required for normal iron metabolism, synthesis of elastin and collagen, melanin production, and integrity of the central nervous system. It also is essential in keratin (wool) production. Copper is one of the key trace minerals required for an effective immune response. When Cu is ingested in large amounts in the diet, it may accumulate within the liver over a period of a few weeks to more than a year without clinical signs followed by a sudden release of liver Cu stores with resultant toxicity. Many factors that alter Cu metabolism can influence chronic Cu toxicosis by enhancing the absorption or retention of Cu. Chronic Cu toxicosis may result from excessive intake of Cu; low intake of molybdenum, sulphur, zinc, or calcium; or liver damage (Bradley, 2006, pp.287).

In Cu toxicosis, blood Cu concentrations may increase suddenly, causing lipid peroxidation and intravascular hemolysis. A hemolytic crisis may be promoted by many factors including transportation, pregnancy, lactation, strenuous exercise, or a deteriorating plane of nutrition. Sheep are more susceptible to the effects of Cu toxicity than other species of farm animals because their Cu excretory mechanism is less efficient. Acute Cu toxicosis is usually seen after accidental administration of excessive amounts of soluble Cu salts, which may be present in anthelmintic drenches, mineral mixes, or improperly formulated rations.

Acute toxicosis may follow ingestion of 20 to 100 mg of Cu/kg body weight in sheep. Chronic toxicosis of sheep may occur with daily intake of 3.5 mg of Cu/kg body weight when grazing pastures that contain 15-20 mg of Cu/kg on a dry weight (DW) basis with concurrent low concentrations of molybdenum and sulfur. Acute Cu toxicosis causes severe gastroenteritis with abomasal erosions and ulcerations, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration, and shock. Hemolysis and hemoglobinuria may develop after 3 days if the animal survives these gastrointestinal disturbances (Gooneratne, Howell, & Gawthorne, 2001, pp.469-480).

Materials and Methods

The experiment employs a strong acid (CuSO4.5H2O). For this reason, Lab Coat and Gloves were required during the experimental procedures.

Materials

The used of Copper Sulphate, balance pan, weighing boat, spatula, 25ml volumetric flask, distilled water, soils, pipettes (Gibson), 25ml plastic sample tube, cuvettes, test tubes, spectrometer, lab book, pen or pencil were highly requested for the procedure of the experiment.

Methods

The experimental procedure contained of three parts: preparation of the solutions and absorption spectrum; Beer's law plot (calibration curve: absorbance vs concentration) and finally determination of the concentration of copper in the unknown solution.

Cupric Sulphate mass was weighed on a balance pan and about 0.62g (Gram) was placed in a chemical boat as a required weight to work on. The crystals was transferred in a 25ml volumetric flask and diluted with distilled water to the volume up to 25ml then filled to the line with pipette, covered and mixed again to make sure of a complete ...