Experimental study on zinc deficiency in sheep

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

doi:10.21608/bvmj.2016.31231

Experimental study on zinc deficiency in sheep

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of internal medicine Faculty of veterinary medicine – Benha university

10.21608/bvmj.2016.31231

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 20^th 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 6^th week and temperature at 12^thweek. 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 4^th,6^th,4^th,10^th, weeks, respectively. Serum zinc concentration was significantly decreasing
(p < 0.05) from the 6^th 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