The effect of copper deficiency on reproduction in the female rat

Eighty-seven rats were fed a diet of milk treated with hydrogen sulphide together with copper-free mineral and vitamin supplements. Forty-three of the eighty-seven rats were used controls and given Cu supplements varying from 50 to 500 μg/week. In addition to the eighty-seven rats, twenty-eight rats were fed a commercial diet. 2. Rats which did not receive Cu supplements developed signs of Cu deficiency and their liver Cu levels were significantly lower than those of control and stock animals. Oestrous cycles were normal and the majority of the rats were successfully mated. 3. Litters developed to full term in stock rats and in those given Cu supplements but the Cu- deficient rats did not produce litters.