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Copper (Cu)
Copper is essential in all higher plants and animals. Copper is carried mostly in the bloodstream on a plasma protein called ceruloplasmin. When copper is first absorbed in the gut it is transported to the liver bound to albumin. Copper is found in a variety of enzymes, including the copper centers of cytochrome c oxidase and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (containing copper and zinc), and is the central metal in the oxygen-carrying pigment hemocyanin.
A deficiency of copper can lead to anaemia and bone and joint problems. Horses suffering from copper dificiency may have a dull or tinged coat.
Care should be taken when supplementing trace elements as more problems can be caused by overfeeding.