Bulletin USAMV-CN. 64/2007 (1-2). MONITORING THE ACTIVITY OF SOME ENZYMATIC SYSTEMS- QUICK MARKERS OF COPPER INDUCED CYTOLYSIS IN SHEEP

Abstract. In order to observe the blood biochemical modifications. 42 adult. not gestating Tsigai ewes were studied. during a period of six weeks. after treatment with supplementary copper doses in feed. Primary objective of the research was to formulate a rapid diagnosis procedure of copper associated pathology on the base of the activity of some enzymatic systems. as suitable quick markers of copper induced cytolysis. modified as a consequence of overdosing copper products in sheep from two different copper sources supplementary administered into feed (copper sulfate or copper proteinate). The most sensitive marker of hepatic cytolysis induced by supplementary administration of different copper doses and sources was arginase. indicating cellular destructions at least one week before the other studied enzymatic systems. Specific hepatic cytolysis enzymes activities indicated changes in the hepatic functions. confirming the toxic action of copper in sheep. but with a lower risk in organic copper compounds