Seasonal variations of serum copper concentration in Raeini cashmere goats

The aim of this study is to determine the serum copper (Cu) concentration found in Iranian Raeini cashmere goats in different seasonal and climatic conditions. Twenty four male (6 to 18 months old) and 48 female (6 to 18 and 18 to 30 months old) Raeini goats were selected from the station, rural, and nomadic flocks. The average Cu concentrations among the male and female goats were 0.5 ± 0.04 and 0.5 ± 0.02 mg L-1, respectively. Serum Cu concentration was higher during autumn (0.7 ± 0.03 mg L-1) than spring, summer, and winter. The mean serum Cu concentrations in the station, rural, and nomadic flocks were 0.4 ± 0.04, 0.6 ± 0.04, and 0.3 ± 0.04 mg L-1, respectively. In conclusion, Raeini cashmere goats showed clear seasonality in serum Cu, with low levels from winter to late summer and maximum level in autumn.