The impact of physiological condition on calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels in sheep blood serum

J Stojkovic,Z Ilic,B Jasovic,M Milenkovic,R Djokovic

doi:10.2298/bah1103113s

Abstract

A large number of sheep, especially the ones that spend the majority of time on pastures, is being fed with the meals which do not contain all the neccessary mineral substances. The level of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium on natural pastures is too low considering the neccessities of sheep. So, the irregularities in sheep feeding occur because of the absence of other food sources. These irregularities range from the acute mineral deficite or illness, to the mild temporary forms which can hardly be diagnosed, but they affect the level of production. The contents of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in sheep blood serum are given in this paper, as some of the indicators of the need for supplementation of these substances. The average calcium level in the blood serum of the control group was 2.61 mmol/l, phosphorus level was 1.04 mmol/l and magnesium level was 1.31 mmol/l. The average calcium level in the blood serum of the tested group was 2.33 mmol/l, phosphorus level was 0.92 mmol/l and magnesium level was 1.37 mmol/l.

Highlights

The knowledge of the nutritive values of the grass and hay mix, with which sheep are fed during nearly one half of the year, is very important from the standpoint of the evaluation of food quality
The data about the dynamic of calcium content in the sheep blood serum are shown in table 2
The content of calcium in the blood serum of the infertile sheep was at the same level (2.58 mmol / l)

Summary

Introduction

The knowledge of the nutritive values of the grass and hay mix, with which sheep are fed during nearly one half of the year, is very important from the standpoint of the evaluation of food quality. That was the starting point for resolving issues of proper sheep nutrition during summer, because that period represents an important phase of a physiological change that occurs in sheep (lactation, and preparation for successful impregnation) These tests are not able to discover the genesis of these conditions, which could give us guidance for further development by applying Hemo - Agro - Hido and other measures, all dictated by the ecological factors. From the results obtained on the basis of our previous researches of mineral substances in stodgy food, a low content of phosphorus is detected, which was not frequently the case with calcium This phenomenon is especially present during dry years and certain periods which often occur at the Šar Mountains where the testing was performed. To this we should add the statement of Stojković (2006) that a substantial number of plant species from these areas has a low content of phosphorus

Methods

Results

Conclusion