Liver copper kinetics in Thoroughbred foals at pasture from birth to 160 days of age

Abstract

Pregnant mares in New Zealand are often kept at pasture with inadequate copper (Cu) concentrations according to National Research Council (1989) recommendations. Many authors recommend Cu supplementation of pregnant mares to reduce the degree and severity of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) in their foals. Few data exist on the efficacy of Cu injections in mares in raising liver A02065;