Abstract
The severe effects on both the dam and fetus of inadequate zinc (Zn) intake during pregnancy in animals indicate that good methods of monitoring Zn status in pregnant women may be critical. Plasma/serum Zn concentration, the most commonly used criterion, is not as good an indicator of Zn status as is needed. The effect of low Zn intake on other possible indicators of Zn status has therefore been investigated in the pregnant ewe. Thirty adult primiparous Finncross ewes were fed a low Zn (<1 ppm) diet with (+Zn, n=14) or without (−Zn, n=16) supplemental Zn in drinking water starting day 1 of pregnancy. Plasma mannosidase (Mann) activity with and without added Zn in vitro and alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) activity were determined at intervals throughout pregnancy. Zn concentrations of selected tissues were determined in 5 ewes from each treatment after delivery. Addition of Zn in vitro stimulated Mann activity to a greater extent in plasma from −Zn than +Zn ewes; the stimulation increased as pregnancy progressed. Plasma Alk Phos activity was lower in −Zn than +Zn ewes throughout pregnancy. Zn concentration in colostrum was lower in −Zn than +Zn ewes. Zn concentrations in the tissues measured were not greatly different in −Zn and +Zn ewes. Of the parameters measured stimulation of Mann activity by added Zn in vitro was the best indicator of Zn status.
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