Copper, Molybendum and Zinc Interrelationships in Rats and Swine.

Abstract

Inclusion of 1000 p.p.m. of Mo as Na molybdate in the diet of rats and swine caused increased Cu concn. and radiocopper accumulation in tissues, especially in kidney and liver. And, in rats, these effects were accompanied by a growth depression which was not counteracted by feeding 200 p.p.m. Cu. Swine appeared to be more resistant to Mo toxicity than did rats. No pathological changes were observed in the spinal cord, leg joints or muscle tissues of swine fed 1000 p.p.m. Mo or 1000 p.p.m. Zn over a 7-month period. A dietary level of 1000 p.p.m. zinc did not affect Cu metabolism in either sp., nor did it appear to be involved in Cu-Mo imbalance.