Behavioral and Biochemical Alterations in Sheep with Trace Elements Deficiency: A Trial for Treatment

Abstract

DOI: 10.20286/ajlsr-040292 Background: Micro-minerals imbalances have a great impact on animal’s physiology and cause various problems. Trace mineral deficiency is not recognized easily, especially in the sheep and goats as the deficiency exists in the flocks in sub-clinical form and affects the fertility and animal welfare. Rationale for The Study: This study was carried out to detect trace elements deficiency through behavioral observation, haematological and biochemical analysis in sheep with a trial of treatment with a trace elements mixture. Methods and Results: A total number of fifteen diseased baladi ewes were used, blood samples were obtained at the beginning and also ewes were behaviorally observed two weeks before treatment for ascertain trace elements deficiency. Ewes were then treated with mineral mixture drug for two weeks during which they were behaviorally observed. Blood samples were obtained again after treatment for haematological and biochemical analysis. The obtained results following treatment showed significant increased drinking and licking frequencies; copper, cobalt, selenium and magnesium levels and also haemoglobin and red blood cells count, while feeding and lateral recumbancy time, movement frequency, zinc and calcium levels and also white blood cells count and packed cell volume percent were non-significant increased. Furthermore, rumination and standing time and iron and phosphorus levels were non-significantly decreased. However, sodium and potassium levels were significantly decreased. Conclusions: It can be concluded that trace elements deficiency in sheep could cause behavioural, haematological and biochemical changes which respond to treatment but need long time for complete curns so it is recommended to provide trace element supplementation in ration.