Studies of copper metabolism in sheep

MacPherson, A (1967) Studies of copper metabolism in sheep. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The experimental work in this thesis is largely concerned with the quantitative aspects of copper uptake by plants and with the storage of copper in sheep. Sheep were particularly suitable for the experimental work in that they are the smallest commercial ruminant animals and as such are less costly both to obtain and maintain, thus enabling larger numbers to be employed in each experiment and so enhancing the statistical value of the results. Particular attention has been paid to copper absorption and storage by housed sheep as it was considered that future developments in sheep husbandry would lead to greater intensification of production techniques with a consequent increase in the numbers of housed sheep. The thesis has been divided into five sections. The first comprises an extensive review of the literature pertaining to copper uptake by plants and animals, particularly sheep. The remaining four sections comprise the experimental work undertaken and are concerned respectively with factors affecting copper uptake by herbage; copper absorption by sheep at pasture; copper absorption by housed sheep and finally copper excretion. The effects of an excessive intake of copper by sheep have also been studied. The discussions of and the conclusions drawn from the experimental work described in each section are included at the end of the relevant section.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: J SS Inglis
• Keywords: Animal sciences
• Date of Award: 1967
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1967-72376
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 May 2019 15:12
• Last Modified: 24 May 2019 15:12
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/72376