Mineral Serum Research Articles

Evaluation of trace elements in forages and their effect on gastrointestinal parasite burden in grazing sheep

This study was designed to evaluate the trace elements (minerals) in forages fed to sheep and their effect on gastrointestinal parasite burdens. The ultimate objective was to determine the correlation between the burden of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and the level of trace minerals in sheep serum as a result of the forages they grazed on.A total of 384 faecal samples were collected from sheep in each of the districts (Sialkot and Multan) and examined quantitatively using the McMaster technique. Serum collected from them and plants were pre-treated, and spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentration of trace minerals (Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn). The level of these trace elements differed significantly (P < 0.05) in forages from both districts. In the district of Sialkot, the highest concentrations (mg/Kg) of Zn (38.53 ± 0.16) were found in Cichorium intybus, Cu (41.57 ± 0.07) in Cynodon dactylon, Mn (39.61 ± 0.05) in Parthenium hysterophorus, and Co (1.42 ± 0.03) in Coronopus didymus. In the district of Multan, the highest concentrations (mg/Kg) of Zn (39.43 ± 0.46) were found in Cichorium intybus, Cu (25.76 ± 0.36) in Cynodon dactylon, Mn (34.29 ± 0.53) in Launaea nudicaulis, and Co (1.74 ± 0.08) in Brachiaria raptens. The prevalence of GI parasites in sheep populations in district Sialkot was 34%, while in district Multan, it was 32%. In tehsil Sialkot of district Sialkot, Zn and Cu were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, while in tehsil Multan City of district Multan, only Cu was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with EPG. The potential mechanism behind the role of trace mineralsin lowering the burdens of GI parasites requires more investigation. It is recommended that plants with high content of trace minerals should be utilized as part of comprehensive preventive and control strategies against GI parasitism in ruminant animals like sheep.

Effects of essential mineral elements deficiency and supplementation on serum mineral elements concentration and biochemical parameters in grazing Mongolian sheep.

Traditional sheep grazing is the pillar industry and the main source of income for local herders in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. However, grazing sheep often suffer from mineral deficiency. In the present study, the feeding experiment was performed on 84 grazing Wu Ranke sheep. After being divided into calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) treatment groups, they were fed with a mineral deficient diet for 60 days and then a mineral supplement diet for 41 days. Serum samples were collected three times, 10 concentrations of essential mineral elements and 15 concentrations/activity of biochemical parameters were measured to assess the effects of mineral deficiency and supplementation on the physical health of sheep. The results revealed that the sheep showed mineral Ca, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se deficiencies after feeding their respective mineral deficient diet. Deficiency in dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may adversely affect the liver, myocardium and pancreas of sheep. The prompt supplementation of dietary Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may alleviate the damage caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas, while that of dietary Ca improved energy generation. In conclusion, the adequate supplementation of dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se is essential for avoiding the impairment caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas function of sheep by the deficiency in essential dietary minerals.

A Study of the Effects of a Diet with Functional Foods on the Adaptogenicity of First-Year Students to the Student Lifestyle

Background: The period of rapid transition from school to university is associated with a complex of negative stress factors caused by social and professional adaptation, irregular daily routine, sleep, and nutrition. During this period, the inclusion of functional foods in students’ diets has an increasingly beneficial effect on their health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diets with functional foods (vegetable and protein–vegetable) on health indicators while minimizing the negative impact of adaptation and acclimatization on the body of first-year university students at the start of their studies. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 first-year students were randomly selected. Biochemical tests, enzyme immunoassays, and analyses of serum immunoglobulin levels and mineral and vitamin content in first-year students’ blood were performed. Results and discussion: Protein–vegetable products are more potent compared to plant-based ones in increasing the body’s natural resistance to all types of stress due to their high protein content. The other functional product had a higher content of carbohydrates. In addition, they differed in the content of minerals and vitamins. Conclusions: The importance of a rational diet increases exponentially during the period of adaptation and acclimatization when the emotional, mental, and physical workload increases.

Evaluation of serum mineral micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg) and their correlation with clinical parameters (gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss) in chronic periodontitis patients

Background: Nutrition especially micro-mineral nutrients plays a major role in the etiology of chronic periodontitis. Serum levels of micro-mineral nutrients can be used as markers for the incidence of periodontitis and may also be used as indicators for dietary supplementation. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the serum levels of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mg of chronic periodontitis patients and normal healthy controls., to measure the clinical parameters (gingival index, probing pocket depth [PPD], and clinical attachment loss) in chronic periodontitis patients and normal healthy controls., to compare the levels of serum Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mg levels of chronic periodontitis patients and healthy controls and to correlate the levels of serum micronutrients with clinical parameters (gingival index, PPD, and clinical attachment loss) in chronic periodontitis patients and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 subjects, 55 subjects with chronic periodontitis and 55 healthy control subjects in the age group 35–65 years were selected for the study. Serum micronutrient levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, and the clinical parameters were measured. Results: Serum concentrations of Cu and Fe showed statistically significant increase and serum Zn and Mg showed a significant decrease in peridontitis patients as compared to normal healthy controls. Copper and Fe showed a significant positive correlation and Zn and Mg showed a significant negative correlation with clinical parameters (gingival index, PPD, and clinical attachment loss). Conclusion: The present study supports and extends the view that the assessment of serum mineral micronutrient can serve as possible biomarkers or indicators for an inflammatory condition like chronic periodontitis.

Factors influencing the bone mineral density in Duroc boars

BackgroundLeg weakness affects animal welfare and is one of the primary reasons for culling of boars. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the primary factors contributing to leg weakness. Low BMD also appeared to be associated with severe bone pain and has the highest risk of skeletal fragility. Surprisingly, few studies have been performed on the factors influencing BMD in pigs. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to identify the influencing factors on boar BMD. Herein, the BMD data were determined through the use of ultrasonography from 893 Duroc boars. Logistic regression model was utilized in the analysis of BMD, in which the explanatory variables in the model were lines, ages, body weights, backfat thicknesses and serum mineral element concentrations (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Se, Pb and Cd).ResultsResults showed that factors significantly influencing BMD included serum Ca, P concentrations, ages and backfat thicknesses (P < 0.05), in which serum Ca concentrations were positively correlated with BMD (P < 0.01), whereas increasing concentrations of serum P decreased BMD (P < 0.01). The serum Ca/P ratio showed significant quadratic effects on BMD (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), and the Ca/P ratio to achieve the best BMD was determined to be 3.7. Furthermore, BMD also changed with age quadratically (r = 0.40, P < 0.01), and reached a peak value around 47 months. Interestingly, a quadratic (r = 0.26, P < 0.01) increase in the BMD was observed as backfat thickness increased, and the inflection point was calculated at around 17 mm.ConclusionIn conclusion, BMD characteristics of boars could be detected by ultrasonic method, and serum Ca, serum P, age, and backfat thickness contributed to the greatest effect on BMD.

Serum Mineral Levels in Dairy Cows Transiting from Feedlot to Pasture.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate trace element and minerals levels in the serum of cows transiting from diets consumed in feedlot or under grazing. A total of 30 healthy 5-6 years old cows of the Red Steppe breed were involved in the study. Blood samples were collected at the end of the feedlot period (end of April) and during the pasture period (end of June). Serum essential trace element and mineral levels were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that serum K levels in cows during the feedlot period exceeded those in the pasture period by 50%, whereas serum P values in the pasture period were significantly higher than in the feedlot period by 20%. Serum Li levels in cows during the feedlot feeding period were nearly 3-fold higher than the respective values in a pasture period. In addition, serum B, Sr, and Zn concentrations in cows during a pasture period exceeded those observed upon feedlot feeding by 38%, 40%, and 13%, respectively. In contrast, serum I and V levels in a feedlot period were 32% and 77% higher when compared to the respective values in a pasture period. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that Cr, Cu, I, Na, and V are positively associated with feedlot feeding. At the same time, serum Zn and to a lesser extent Sr values were directly associated with the pasture period. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that feedlot and pasture rations have a significant impact on trace element and mineral metabolism in dairy cows.

Analysis of Serum Calcium, Serum Phosphorus, And Alkaline Phosphatase in Pre-Diabetes and Type-2 Diabetic Mellitus

"Diabetes mellitus" refers to a group of metabolic disorders that a wide range of causes may have brought on. The abnormalities in insulin production and action that characterize diabetes mellitus are distinctive. Pre-diabetes is a type of hyperglycemia that can be identified by glycemic indices that are higher than average but below the diabetes cut-off point. Prediabetes can be avoided by eating healthily and getting frequent exercise. This study aims to examine the association between bone markers (serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels) and type 2 diabetes in individuals who are either currently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus or are at high risk of developing it. The Hyderabad, Telangana, India, location of the Aclin Clinical &amp; Diagnostic Lab will be closed for maintenance beginning on January 1 and lasting through the end of the year. Comparisons were made between the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase in 65 individuals with pre-diabetes and 65 people with type 2 diabetes. The comparison was performed using an automated technique. Compared to patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower serum calcium levels.On the other hand, those with diabetes showed significantly higher serum levels of both ALP and phosphorus compared to the prediabetic group (p0.001). Our study's findings imply that variations in serum mineral levels are related to pre-diabetes. These traits can be used to anticipate the onset of type II diabetes mellitus on their own, and getting a diagnosis as soon as is practical can serve to aid in the prevention of future problems.

The Effects of Claw Health and Bone Mineral Density on Lameness in Duroc Boars.

To investigate the effects of claw lesion types and bone mineral density on lameness in boars, the data of claw lesion score, gait score, and bone mineral density, measured by a Miniomin ultrasound bone densitometer, were collected from a total of 739 Duroc boars. Firstly, we discovered that the prevalence of claw lesions was as high as 95.26% in boars. The percentage of lameness of boars with SWE was higher than those with other claw lesions. Meanwhile, the results showed that the probability of lameness was higher in boars with lower bone mineral density (p < 0.05). Logistic regression models, including variables of boar age, body weight, serum mineral level, and housing type, were used to identify the influencing factors of bone mineral density in this study. The results found that bone mineral density increases with age before reaching a maximum value at 43 months of age, and begins to decrease after 43 months of age. Elevated serum Ca levels were significantly associated with an increase in bone mineral density (p < 0.05). Aside from the above findings, we also made an interesting discovery that boars in the individual pen model significantly increased bone mineral density compared to those in the individual stall model. In conclusion, claw lesions and bone mineral density were significantly associated with lameness. Age, serum Ca, and housing type are the potential influencing factors for bone mineral density in boars.

Remote Follow-up with a Mobile Application Is Equal to Traditional Outpatient Follow-up After Bariatric Surgery: the BELLA Pilot Trial

PurposeMedical follow-up after bariatric surgery is recommended. However, the compliance was poor. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a smartphone-based fully remote follow-up (FU) program for patients after bariatric surgery.MethodsIn the interventional group, patients were followed up using a smartphone application (app), through which questionnaires were sent regularly. Participants in the control group underwent standard FU at the outpatient clinic every three months. After 12 months, all the participants were evaluated at an outpatient clinic.ResultsBetween August 2020 and March 2021, 44 and 43 patients in the interventional and control groups, respectively, were included in the analysis after three patients were lost to FU, and three withdrew their informed consent because they wished for more personal contact with medical caregivers. After 12 months, total weight loss (TWL), %TWL, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) did not differ between groups. There were no significant differences in the complication rates, including surgical complications, malnutrition, and micronutrition deficiency. The parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis and quality of life did not differ between the groups. Vitamins and minerals in serum were similar in both groups except for calcium, which was significantly higher in the interventional group (2.52 mmol/L vs. 2.35 mmol/L, p = 0.038).ConclusionFully remote FU with a smartphone application is at least as effective as traditional in-person FU in an outpatient clinic after bariatric surgery. Through remote FU, patients can save time and medical professionals may have more resources for patients with more severe problems.Graphical

Clinical profile and quality of life scores in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: a transversal retrospective study

Introduction: In patients with hypoparathyroidism, conventional therapy maintains parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent mineral metabolism homeostasis but is unable to prevent emergence of comorbidities and low quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate long-term progression of patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving conventional therapy and their quality of life compared with patients with primary hypothyroidism and healthy controls. Design and Setting: Retrospective cohort study for quality-of-life analysis and transversal cut on clinical profile. Patients with hypoparathyroidism from four public referral centers in endocrinology and bone metabolism in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Material and Methods: Quality of life by SF-36 protocol, and clinical profile by medical record analysis. Results: 243 individuals with hypoparathyroidism (n=113), hypothyroidism (n=65), and healthy controls (n=65) included. Median time since diagnosis and duration of conventional therapy was 8 years (IQR 4–17 years). Data on type of conventional therapy (median, minimum–maximum daily dose, percentage of patients with hypoparathyroidism using each medication): calcium supplementation (2000 mg/day, 200–6000 mg/day, 95%), cholecalciferol (2000 IU/day, 200–40000 IU/day, 44%), calcitriol (0.5 μg/day, 0.25–2 μg/day, 77%), thiazides (25 mg/day, 12.5–100 mg/day, 44%). Conclusions: Conventional therapy is associated with homeostasis of serum mineral levels, but not with improved quality of life. Compared to patients with hypothyroidism, those with additional hypoparathyroidism had lower scores in six SF-36 domains. Conventional therapy successfully maintained normal calcium levels with often high doses of calcium, vitamin D, and thiazides but could not prevent low quality of life scores and comorbidities.

Production and Evaluation of Encapsulated Zinc Oxide on Performance, Ileal Digestibility and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Broiler Chicken.

The present study was undertaken for the production of encapsulated zinc and its evaluation in broiler chicken diet. The process of microencapsulation involved the use of polymers, gum arabic and maltodextrin with a maximum encapsulation of efficiency of 66%. Encapsulated material contained about 20% zinc oxide (ZnO) as core material following the freeze-drying process. One hundred and ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four groups in six replications having eight birds in each. The four groups comprised control (inorganic source of zinc), En-Zn-100 (encapsulated zinc at 100% of control), En-Zn-50 (encapsulated zinc at 50% of control), and Org-Zn-50 (Zn-methionine at 50% of control). The experiment was carried out for 35 days following standard management practices. The live weight gain, feed intake and FCR were comparable among groups. Plasma and muscle zinc (ppm) content was unaffected by the level or source of zinc supplementation. The zinc apparent ileal digestibility coefficient was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in En-Zn-50 fed groups, while crude protein digestibility was not affected by the level or form of Zn supplementation. Bone weight, length, and zinc content were comparable, and bone ash content was significantly different among the groups. Relative expression of ZnT2 was significantly upregulated in encapsulated zinc-fed groups. From the study, it could be concluded that supplementation of zinc either as encapsulated or organic form at 50% of inorganic source (ZnO) could be sufficient to maintain the growth performance, serum, tissue and bone mineral content in broiler chicken.

Effect of probiotics and humate substances on blood parameters, intestinal development and immune organs of growing quail

This study aimed to evaluate impacts of dietary probiotics (Bacillus subtilis PB6) and humate substances (HS) supplementation on histomorphometry of small intestine and immune organs, blood parameters of growing quail. A total of 216 unsexed quails (seven days old) were randomly distributed to six groups. The 1st group did not receive any supplements (control), 2nd group received B. subtilis (CloSTAT: 0.5 g/kg diet), 3rd and 4th groups received HS (4 and 8 g/kg diet, respectively), 5th and 6th groups received CloSTAT + 4g HS and CloSTAT + 8g HS, respectively. Results showed that the inclusion of B. subtilis alone in quail diets significantly improved histomorphometry indices of intestine and immune organs compared to the control. Dietary supplementation of HS alone led to deteriorating histomorphometry indices of intestinal segments and immune organs compared to the control. CloSTAT, HS or both improved lipid profile and antioxidant parameters. Serum mineral levels did not differ significantly among groups except for Ca levels. In conclusion, dietary probiotics supplementation enhanced histomorphometry of intestine and immune organs and improved serum Ca, lipid profile and antioxidant indices. Moreover, the addition of HS (4 or 8 g/kg diet) improved lipid profile and antioxidant indices, but led to undesirable results in intestinal development and immune organs.

Effect of customised supplement on haemato-biochemical profile, serum minerals, metabolic hormones, antioxidant capacity and gene expression in crossbred calves

Present experiment examined the supplementary effect of a tailor-made supplement to farmers’-based diet in crossbred calves. Male crossbred calves (15) were randomly allocated in 3 dietary treatments consisting of 5 calves in each. The dietary treatments were: Control- cereal straw-based diet with concentrate mixture as per the farmers’ practices; CS (customised supplement)- control diet with additional customised supplement @ 0.25% of BW; SD-standard diet. Serum glucose was higher in SD than control, however, CS had an intermediate response. The serum macro (Ca and i-P) and trace (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) minerals were higher in SD and CS than control. The serum T3 and T4 hormones were significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were significantly higher in SD than control groups, however, SD had an intermediate position. The total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) was significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The relative mRNA expression of cytokines, viz. IL-2 and IL-4 was significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The relative mRNA expression of leptin (LEP) was significantly higher and ghrelin (GHRL) was significantly lower in SD than control group, however, CS had a transitional position. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the customised supplement (@ 0.25% BW) to farmers’-based diet significantly improved the serum glucose concentration, metabolic hormone profile, antioxidant capacity and relative mRNA expression of cytokines and genes involved in energy metabolism in crossbred calves.

Long term excessive zinc supplementation in diet induced alteration in serum lipids, hormones and minerals profile in wistar rats and has carry over effect in their F1 generation rats

The use of the zinc in various areas such as animal husbandry, agricultural techniques and multivitamin supplements has increased in recent decades and will increase over time. In this study, the impact of Zn overload for long period in the body, and their carry-over effect on the next generation is determined. Three groups of rats were fed on basal diets having 20 mg Zn in one kg diet (group-1), control group, 50 mg Zn in one kg diet (Group-2) and 80 mg Zn in one kg diet (Group-3) for 180 days. The F1- generation rats obtained from each group of parent rats were fed only on rat pellet diet. The investigation revealed that body weight rise with increased concentration of Zn in parent and F1-generation rats. The blood lipid profile in serum showed an increase in triglycerides, cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol whereas lowered level of high-density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels was recorded in both generation of rats. A significant increase in serum Insulin, HbA1c, and C-reactive protein level was recorded in group-2 and 3 rats while no significant changes in the FI- generation of rats. In F1- rats, Zn showed increase in its level while decreased level of Mn and Cu in the kidney and liver of group-F1-2 and F1-3 was observed in comparison to their control counterparts. The results of the study suggest long term treatment of diet rich in Zn induced alteration in serum lipids, hormones and profile of minerals and has carry over effect to their F1- generations.

Addition of chromium propionate in dog food: metabolic, immunological, and oxidative effects

ABSTRACT Chromium is a trace element essential in metabolising carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and is involved in other biological functions. Therefore, this study determined whether chromium propionate supplementation in dogs improves haematologic, metabolic, immune/inflammatory, and antioxidant biomarkers. A commercial product (Labex® Chromium) containing 0.4% chromium was used at 500 g/ton of food, which provided an additional calculated amount of 2 mg of chromium per kg of food. We used ten beagles divided into two treatments: the chromium group (supplemented with 0.380 mg of chromium/dog/day; T-CHR) and the control group comprised dogs fed a basal diet (no chromium supplementation). The experiment included two periods of 28 days, with an interval of 15 days, i.e. the dogs in the control group in the first period were in the chromium group in the second period (all dogs underwent all treatments in a crossover design). Dogs supplemented with chromium had higher serum mineral levels on days 14 and 28 (P ≤ 0.001). The group in the chromium group showed significantly higher numbers of total leukocytes and lymphocytes and concentrations of total protein, globulin, thio-proteins, and catalase activity in blood than the control group. Serum urea concentrations and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the chromium group. Tendencies towards lower concentrations of reactive oxygen species were observed on day 28 in the T-CHR group (P = 0.10). Chromium supplementation increased the concentration of cytokines in serum (tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], IFN-γ, and IL-10) and C-reactive protein (P ≤ 0.05). Dogs in the chromium group had higher gamma globulin concentrations than controls (P ≤ 0.001). These findings suggest that supplementation with chromium propionate (2 mg/kg) in food positivity modulates metabolic, antioxidant, and immune indicators in dogs.

Effect of nano zinc supplementation on serum biochemical and mineral levels in Malabari kids fed on complete rations with varying energy levels

A study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide (Zn) on mineral retention and serum mineral levels of Malabari kids. Fifteen Malabari kids of 2-3 months of age were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with five replicates in each. The dietary treatments were: T1 (Control)- Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 70%, T2- Complete feed containing CP-14%, TDN- 65% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc, T3 – Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 60% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc for a period of 90 days. Blood was collected subjected to assess serum mineral status and serum biochemical analysis at end of trial. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in group T2 (1.65±0.23 mg/L), T3 (1.77±0.31 mg/L) compared to T1 (0.82±0.07 mg/L) group. Supplementation of nano zinc had no effect on mineral levels of calcium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. Supplementation of nano zinc at 20 ppm had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on haemoglobin (g/dL), serum glucose, total protein, globulin and serum enzymes like ALT (IU/L), AST (IU/L), ALP (IU/L) and creatinine (mg/dL) levels. The study concluded that nano zinc supplementation to complete ration having lower energy (60 % TDN or 65 % TDN) in kids did not alter the serum calcium, phosphorous, copper , manganese and serum biochemical parameters while significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher serum zinc levels was observed showing improved bioavailability.

Evaluation of serum mineral status in dermatological disorders of dogs

The study was undertaken to evaluate serum mineral status, specifically zinc, copper and selenium in dogs affected with dermatological disorders in comparison to normal healthy dogs. The study included 40 dogs of 2-5 years of age with skin diseases presented to University Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai under the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and ten apparently healthy dogs brought to the hospital for routine health check-up which served as control. Serum concentrations of the three minerals were compared not only between normal and dogs with skin diseases as a whole but also between individual skin diseases- six different skin diseases- with the control group. On comparing the dogs with skin ailments (n=40) and control group, the serum mineral levels analysed through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) revealed that the concentration of zinc was significantly lower (p&lt;0.01) in the diseased group (0.53 ± 0.04 mg/L) of dogs (n=40) than the control group (1.11 ± 0.09 mg/L) and the serum copper concentration was also significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) in diseased dogs (0.91 ± 0.08 mg/L) with respect to the control animals (1.23 ± 0.11 mg/L). The serum selenium concentration of diseased group of animals(n=40), however failed to show any significant difference from the control group of animals. The outcome of the study suggests a need for supplementation of zinc and copper in dogs with skin ailments like canine demodicosis that relapse even after prolonged therapy with acaricides.

Phytate-phosphorus and phytase on performance, bone characteristics, tissue and serum mineral concentration on broilers.

Male broiler chickens (384), Cobb 500, were housed in metabolic cages to assess the efficacy of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus on the performance, bone physical characteristics, tissue and serum mineral deposits. Birds were distributed in four treatments with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design. Experimental diets based on maize-soybean meal were T1 - diet low phytate-phosphorus; T2 - diet low phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg); T3 - diet high phytate-phosphorus; T4 - diet high phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg). Feed intake, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were assessed. Two left tibias per experimental unit were analyzed for physical characteristics and mineral concentration; a section of skinless breast muscle and blood were collected to measure the concentration of calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Results showed interaction between bone stiffness and serum calcium. The inclusion of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus did not alter performance, bone resistance and flexibility, mineral deposits in the tibia and breast muscle, but increased bone stiffness after 22 days of age. It also provided a higher serum calcium rate in broilers fed diets with low phytate-phosphorus up to 32 days of age.

Serum Mineral Levels and Haematobiochemical Parameters in Buffalo Calves with Allotriophagy (Pica Syndrome)

Pica is defined as a depraved or abnormal appetite characterized by licking and eating non-nutritive substances. The aim of this study was to report changes in the serum mineral levels and haematobiochemical parameters of buffalo calves with pica. The study included 30 buffalo calves exhibiting pica behaviour, such as licking stall walls or eating wool and non-food items (pica group), and 6 buffalo calves without the signs of pica behaviour (control group). The age of both groups ranged between 1 and 6 months. In the pica group, the haematological analysis revealed a decrease in red blood cells (P &lt; 0.001) and red cell distribution width (P &lt; 0.05) as well as an increase in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P &lt; 0.001), whereas the biochemical parameters were characterized by an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (P &lt; 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P &lt; 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (P &lt; 0.05) levels and a decrease in creatinine and glucose (P &lt; 0.01) levels. Furthermore, the pica group showed a significant decrease in serum manganese, iron, zinc, selenium (P &lt; 0.001) and copper (P &lt; 0.01) concentrations. In conclusion, it was determined that deficiencies in the levels of serum iron, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium play an important role in the aetiology of pica in buffalo calves.

Concentrações sanguíneas de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio e diferença cátion-ânion da dieta de vacas leiteiras

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the effect of pre and postpartum DCAD on serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in peripartum Holstein cows. Blood samples were collected from 56 cows (18 primiparous and 38 multiparous) on days -7, +7, +14 and +28 relative to parturition, to determine serum levels of total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and albumin; diet samples for determination of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and DCAD were collected at the same moments and urine samples were collected at day -7 for measurement of urinary pH. Prepartum DCAD was positively correlated with total calcium (p = 0.02) and with corrected total calcium (p = 0.01) at day -7. There was a negative correlation between prepartum DCAD and magnesium levels at day -7 (p = 0.02). No influence of prepartum DCAD on phosphataemia was observed. Postpartum DCAD did not correlate with serum mineral levels at any time point. Our results demonstrate that prepartum DCAD can influence calcium and magnesium homeostasis, but not phosphorus. In addition, parity and time period should be considered when evaluating serum levels of these minerals in Holstein cows during transition period.