Accumulation of Copper in the Liver of Moose in Finland

Abstract

We were interested in quantifying accumulations of copper (Cu) in the liver of moose (Alces alces) because Cu is potentially damaging to moose and the humans who eat them. Thus, we studied differences in accumulation of Cu, zinc (Zn), and molybdenum (Mo) in the liver of moose in Finland relative to age and the concentrations of Cu in the soil in different regions of the country. Copper concentrations in the livers of moose fetuses and young calves tended to be higher than those reported in other newborn mammals. Maximum values at birth were > 1 mg/g fresh mass. In 6-month-old calves the Cu concentration in the liver had decreased to about 30 μg/g fresh mass; concentration then increased with age