Liver copper concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wapiti (C canadensis) in New Zealand

Concentrations of copper in livers from red deer (Cervus elaphus) or wapiti (C canadensis) were measured and classified according to the age and species of the animals whether farmed or feral, the area from which they came and their sex. Significant variations occurred with age, species, environment (farmed or feral) and area. Mean liver copper concentrations (after logarithmic transformation) ranged from 356 mg/kg of fresh matter in fetus/neonate to 10.5 mg/kg in mature animals.