Copper deficiency in Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) from the Karoo Nature Reserve

Abstract

The copper status of blesbok was evaluated by measuring the hepatic and plasma copper concentrations, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity. The copper status of blesbok from the Karoo Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape was shown to be significantly lower than blesbok from the Willem Pretorius and Gariep Dam Game Reserves, Free State. Analysis of soil and water in the Karoo Nature Reserve suggests that alkaline soil, associated with organic matter, may be responsible for decreased availability of copper to plants. It was shown that leaching of copper could take place when liver samples are stored in 10% buffered formalin. Storage of samples in liquid nitrogen was found to be the only reliable method of maintaining erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity for extended periods of time.