Did you know that in 2018, Awanui Veterinary reviewed data from trace element testing in New Zealand and consequently made some changes to testing recommendations?

Liver copper:
Recommended sample size changed from 5 to ≥10 (for all species). This will provide 75% confidence that the mean of the samples is representative of the herd as opposed to approximately 55% confidence for the current recommendation of 5 liver samples.

Serum copper:
Copper sequestration in the clotting process has been found to cause an artefactually lower copper serum result. The adequacy value for serum copper in cattle has changed from >8 µmol/L to 7 µmol/L.

Latest technology:
Awanui Veterinary has ICP-MS* technology in our Dunedin laboratory – the centre of excellence for trace element testing. This technology provides increased accuracy and precision, faster turn around times and needs a much smaller sample volume.

* Inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry