Functioning of copper (Cu) in horses

Copper is found in muscles and blood, but mostly in the liver. The copper concentration in the liver is approximately 20 mg of copper per kilogram of dry matter. The liver is therefore the main storage site of the trace element copper, but is also the most susceptible to copper poisoning.

Scientific name:

Cu

Type:

Trace element

Function of copper in horses:

• Involved in the formation of hemoglobin

• Assists in the formation of keratin and bone

• Aids in nerve protection

The main functions of copper are at the cellular level, namely:

• Involved in the formation of hemoglobin

• Involved in myelination of neurons (providing a protective layer around nerves)

• Involved in the formation of keratin and bone

In case of copper deficiency, changes in pigments may occur (white spots appearing on the body). This is because the enzyme tyrosinase (copper-dependent) is involved in the formation of pigment from tyrosine.

Copper is stored as ceruloplasmin (outside the cells) and Cu-thionein (inside the cells) as a buffer for temporary deficiencies.

During pregnancy and lactation, the mare ensures that the newborn foal receives sufficient copper. A deficiency in copper in the mare directly leads to a deficiency in the foal. Copper is present in low concentrations in roughage, hence the importance of adding it to concentrate feed/balancers.