Estimation of Serum Copper Concentrations in Sheep and Goats Infected with Gastrointestinal Parasites in Mosul City, Iraq

doi:10.37940/ajvs.2019.12.2.8

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine serum copper concentrations in sheep and goats infected with different gastrointestinal parasites. A total of 60 sheep and 30 goats were obtained from different areas in Mosul city and examined in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Mosul. Fecal and blood samples were collected from each animal. Animals infected with gastrointestinal parasites were diagnosed by detecting parasite eggs in fecal samples. Copper concentrations and hematological values were compared between infected and non-infected animals. Different gastrointestinal parasites were diagnosed include; Chabertia ovina, Cooperia spp., Haemonchus contortus, Marshallagia marshalli, Nematodirus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Ostertagia ostertagia, Strongylus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. in both single and mixed infection types. Infected sheep and goats suffered from different clinical signs such as emaciation, poor wool or hair, trembling, pale mucous membrane, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Infected animals showed significantly (p≤0.05) lower serum copper concentrations compared to non-infected animals. Moreover, hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, PCV, MCH, MCV, and MCHC) were lower compared to non-infected animals. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasitic infection in sheep and goats can decrease serum copper concentrations and blood parameters in infected animals, thereby exacerbating clinical signs.

Highlights

Intestinal parasite infection can reduce animal growth and cause severe economic losses to livestock industry, in tropical and subtropical areas [1]
Sheep and goats were infected with different gastrointestinal parasites (Table 1)
Infected sheep and goats suffered from different clinical signs including emaciation, poor wool, trembling, pale mucous membrane, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Intestinal parasite infection can reduce animal growth and cause severe economic losses to livestock industry, in tropical and subtropical areas [1]. Gastrointestinal parasite infections, with roundworms, cause different clinical signs and symptoms of illness including body weight loss, ascites, diarrhea, and low production. Roundworm infection in sheep and goats decreases copper absorption resulting in decline of copper concentration in serum [3]. Copper deficiency results in several clinical signs including anemia, diarrhea, poor wool production, and trembling [7]. Trembling is considered one of the most clinical signs that appear due to copper deficiency It can be primary; due to lack low concentration of copper in the animal food, or secondary; due to the reduction of copper absorption [8]

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Conclusion