Attempted induction of chronic copper poisoning in boma confined impala

Induction of chronic copper poisoning in ten boma-confined impala was attempted in a randomized, single dose, parallel designed, titration study using five increasing oral doses, ranging between 125 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg, of copper oxide needles. Two untreated impala were kept as controls. Impala (n = 1) from each treatment group were culled 52 d and 105 d after treatment and examined for tissue copper accumulation and signs of chronic copper poisoning. Despite the high doses of copper administered to the impala and liver copper concentrations above 150 ppm WM achieved in two animals, no clinical signs related to chronic copper poisoning were observed. Faecal copper concentrations indicated that the major portion of copper oxide particles was excreted in the faeces.