Experimental study on zinc deficiency in sheep

Ibrahim, S.O., Helal, M.A., Abd El Raof, Y.M., Elattar, H.M.

Abstract

This study was conducted for evaluation of some hematological alteration that associated with Zn deficiency. Eight lambs with average age (5-6) months and body weight (28-30) kg were fed on basal high calcium corn soya bean meal diet with crude protein, calcium, phosphorus and zinc 14%, 1.6%, 0.8%, 26ppm, respectively. All lambs were fed on the experimental ration mixture 450-500 gm / Head / day and hay and water ad libitum until the end of the study at 20th weeks. Serum and whole blood sample were collected weekly for monitoring hematological changes control values were determined at zero day before start feeding on the experimental ration. Clinical signs showed alopecia, skin abnormalities, loss of appetite and emaciation. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in bodyweight, ruminal movement at 6th week and temperature at 12thweek. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in respiratory rate, pulse rate appeared from the 8th week till the end of the study. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in WBCs, Hb, lymphocyte and RBCs from 4th,6th,4th,10th, weeks, respectively. Serum zinc concentration was significantly decreasing (p < 0.05) from the 6th week. From this study we can conclude that induced Zn deficiency has a negative impact on the general health condition as well as on some hematological and immunological parameters in sheep.

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