Sensitivity and specificity of serum copper determination for detection of copper deficiency in feeder calves

Abstract

Regression models are inappropriate for predicting copper status as a function of serum copper concentration. Serum copper concentration is fairly specific for detection of low liver copper concentration but only marginally sensitive when serum copper concentration of 0.45 microg/g is used as a test endpoint. The value of serum copper concentration as a diagnostic indicator depends on prevalence of copper deficiency.