Molybdenum Supplementation Research Articles

Molybdenum supplementation may increase sulfides in the human colon

I have observed what seems to be a rare but novel symptom that has not been documented in the medical literature, in a subject that I have been studying. The observation was a worsening of flatus and stool odor in this subject, a few days after the subject started an unphysiologically high dose of dietary molybdenum.

Dietary molybdenum may stimulate the growth of colonic sulfur reducing bacteria, increasing hydrogen sulfide levels in the human colon and the possible health effects of an excess of colonic sulfides

Molybdenum is a trace mineral needed in small quantities by most life forms. In living organisms, a molybdenum atom is found within molybdenum-dependent enzymes or molybdoenzymes. Molybdoenzymes catalyze reactions in carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen metabolism. Only four molbdoenzymes have been identified in humans. Most of the known molybdoenzymes are found in bacteria. Dietary molybdenum can be administrated to humans, to treat Wilson disease and tungsten poisoning; and it may be useful in arthritis. Sulfur-reducing bacteria are the bacterial group that reduces certain sulfur molecules to hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria can inhabit anaerobic parts of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals and are the predominant producer of hydrogen sulfide in the human colon. Hydrogen sulfide plays a major role in the malodor of human flatus. Some individuals have reported an increase in foul odoriferous gases from the colon after molybdenum supplementation. The underlying mechanism as to how this occurs is currently not known. Possible bacteria that are involved could be sulfur-reducing bacteria and methionine dissimilating bacteria. Supplementing sheep with molybdenum and with sulfur exclusively in the form of methionine can stimulate the growth of sulfur-reducing bacteria and increase the level of sulfides in the rumen. The molybdoenzyme, thiosulfate reductase, is found in sulfur-reducing bacteria and catalyzes the reduction of thiosulfate to hydrogen sulfide. The source of thiosulfate could be from ruminal epithelial cells detoxifying methanethiol, produced by methionine dissimilating bacteria, degrading the dietary methionine to methanethiol. Therefore, the molybdenum could be activating thiosulfate reductases of sulfur-reducing bacteria in the rumen of these animals. The human colon can also harbor sulfur-reducing bacteria, and dietary molybdenum and methionine can reach this organ. Therefore, dietary molybdenum may be stimulating the growth of sulfur-reducing bacteria in some individuals. Sulfides in the human colon could have beneficial and detrimental effects on health. Such effects could include the already mentioned malodor of flatus, the stabilizing of the microbiome-mucosa interface in an intestinal dysbiosis, the treatment of hypertension and the promotion of inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

Molybdenum supplementation of fat-tailed ewes diets in an arid region

The study aimed to establish the normal molybdenum requirements for open ewes of meat-and-fat breeds in arid climatic conditions. The study was carried out in the production conditions of the Buddha farm of the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia). The norm has been established based on a detailed study of the molybdenum content in organs and tissues and the degree of its absorption from the diet, considering the endogenous losses. It has been established that the norm of molybdenum is 4.5 mg per head per day, 2.8 mg per 1 kg of dry matter of the diet and 0.80 mg per 1 kg of live weight of a single ewe. Recommendations have been made to solve the problem of molybdenum deficiency in the diet of open ewes of meat-and-fat breeds in arid climatic conditions of Republic of Kalmykia.

PSXII-12 The influence of long-term molybdenum supplementation (in drinking water or feed) on beef calf performance through weaning

Abstract Fifty-four multiparous beef cows were used to examine the effect of molybdenum (Mo) supplemented in drinking water or feed on offspring performance. Cows were blocked by body weight (BW) and age into one of 6 groups. Group were then randomly assigned to treatment. Treatments consisted of: 1) Control (no supplemental Mo or Cu), 2) Control+Cu (3 mg Cu/kg DM from CuSO4·5H2O added to the basal diet), 3) Control + 500 µg Mo/L from MoNa2O4·2H2O in drinking water (Mo 500-water), 4) Control + 1000 µg Mo/L of MoNa2O4·2H2O in drinking water (Mo 1000-water), 5) Mo 1000-water plus 3 mg Cu/kg DM from CuSO4·5H2O added to the basal diet (Mo 1000-water+Cu, and 6) Control plus 3 mg Mo/kg DM from MoNa2O4·2H2O added to the basal diet (3.0 Mo-diet). Cows were housed in dry lot pens (n = 3 cows/pen; 3 pens/treatment) and fed a low-quality grass hay diet (DM basis: 6.6% CP; 0.14% S, 6.2 mg Cu/kg, 2.3 mg Mo/kg) and a protein supplement (30% CP). Cows received their respective treatments beginning 60 d prior to breeding and remained on treatments until all calves were weaned at approximately 7 mo. of age. Calf birth weights were collected on the day of birth and all calves were weaned on the same day. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model for a completely randomized block design. Birthweight, ADG, and 205d adjusted weaning weights were similar (P > 0.05) across treatments. These data indicate that Mo supplemented in the drinking water or the diet regardless of the inclusion of additional Cu did not impact calf performance through weaning.

Alteration of the Antioxidant Capacity and Gut Microbiota under High Levels of Molybdenum and Green Tea Polyphenols in Laying Hens.

High dietary levels of molybdenum (MO) can negatively affect productive performances and health status of laying hens, while tea polyphenol (TP) can mitigate the negative impact of high MO exposure. However, our understanding of the changes induced by TP on MO challenged layers performances and oxidative status, and on the microbiota, remains limited. The aim of the present study was to better understand host (performances and redox balance) and microbiota responses in MO-challenged layers with dietary TP. In this study, 200 Lohmann laying hens (65-week-old) were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive a diet with or without MO (0 or 100 mg/kg), and supplemented with either 0 or 600 mg/kg TP. The results indicate that 100 mg/kg MO decreased egg production (p = 0.03), while dietary TP increased egg production in MO challenged layers (p < 0.01). Egg yolk color was decreased by high MO (p < 0.01), while dietary TP had no effect on yolk color (p > 0.05). Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration were increased by high MO, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity, glutathione s-transferase (GSH-ST), and glutathione concentration in serum were decreased (p < 0.05). Dietary TP was able to reverse the increasing effect of MO on ALT and AST (p < 0.05). High MO resulted in higher MO levels in serum, liver, kidney, and egg, but it decreased Cu and Se content in serum, liver, and egg (p < 0.05). The Fe concentration in liver, kidney, and eggs was significantly lower in MO supplementation groups (p < 0.05). High MO levels in the diet led to lower Firmicutes and higher Proteobacteria abundance, whereas dietary TP alone and/or in high MO treatment increased the Firmicutes abundance and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at phylum level. High MO increased the abundance of Proteobacteria (phylum), Deltaproteobacteria (class), Mytococcales (order), and Nanocystaceae (family), whereas dietary TP promoted the enrichment of Lactobacillus agilis (species). Dietary TP also enhanced the enrichment of Bacilli (class), Lactobacillates (order), Lactobacillus (family), and Lactobacillus gasseri (species). Microbiota analysis revealed differentially enriched microbial compositions in the cecum caused by MO and TP, which might be responsible for the protective effect of dietary TP during a MO challenge.

Safety and efficacy of a molybdenum compound (E7) sodium molybdate dihydrate as feed additive for sheep based on a dossier submitted by Trouw Nutrition International B.V.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on safety and efficacy of sodium molybdate dihydrate for sheep, based on a dossier submitted for the re‐evaluation of the additive. The additive is currently authorised in the EU for all animal species as ‘Nutritional additive’ – ‘Compounds of trace elements’. Taking the optimal Cu:Mo ratio of 3–10, and the highest total copper level authorised in complete feeds for sheep (15 mg/kg), the FEEDAP Panel concluded that 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for sheep. Considering (i) a safe intake of 0.6 mg Mo/day, (ii) the estimate average intake figure from food in Europe (generally less than 100 μg/day), (iii) the contribution of foods of animal origin to the total molybdenum intake (estimated to be up to 22 %), and (iv) that molybdenum would not accumulate in edible tissues/products of sheep fed molybdenum supplemented diets up to the upper safe level, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium molybdate as a additive in sheep at 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for consumers. The additive under assessment feed poses no risk by inhalation to users; it is a skin and eye irritant, but it is not considered as a skin sensitiser. Sodium molybdate used up to 2.5 mg Mo/kg complete sheep feed poses no concerns for the safety for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel recognises that molybdenum does not need to be added to diets to cover the nutritional needs of molybdenum of sheep. Molybdenum supplementation in sheep feed is considered effective in order to guarantee an adequate balance with copper, when the Cu:Mo ratio in the diet is in the range 3–10.

Trace Element Provision in Parenteral Nutrition in Children: One Size Does Not Fit All.

Routine administration of trace elements is recognised as a standard of care in children requiring parenteral nutrition. However, there is a lack of global consensus regarding trace elements provision and dosing in pediatric parenteral nutrition. This review provides an overview of available evidence regarding trace elements supply and posology in parenteral nutrition in neonates and children. Trace elements provision in children should be tailored to the weight and clinical condition of the child with emphasis on those at risk of toxicity or deficiency. Based on current evidence, there is a need to review the formulation of commercial solutions that contain multiple-trace elements and to enable individual trace elements additives to be available for specific indications. Literature supports the removal of chromium provision whereas manganese and molybdenum supplementation are debated. Preterm neonates may have higher parenteral requirements in iodine, selenium and copper than previously recommended. There is growing support for the routine provision of iron in long-term parenteral nutrition. Further studies on trace elements contamination of parenteral nutrition solutions are needed for a range of trace elements.

Nodulation response to molybdenum supplementation in alfalfa and its correlation with root and shoot growth in low pH soil

ABSTRACTMolybdenum (Mo) is a critical micronutrient for nitrogen (N) fixation in legumes. Low pH limits the availability of Mo, thereby reducing nodulation and N fixation. This study investigates the effect of Mo supplementation on alfalfa nodulation and its correlation with root and shoot biomass in low-pH soil. Three experiments were conducted in the greenhouse, involving 14 genotypes of alfalfa subjected to four different treatments, unlimed low-pH soil (5.2) with Mo applied (lithium (Li)−Mo+), low-pH soil (5.2) without Mo (Li−Mo−), limed soil (pH 7.3) with Mo applied (Li+Mo+), and limed soil (pH 7.3) without Mo (Li+Mo−). Foliar application of Mo resulted in a significant increase in nodule counts in the 14 alfalfa cultivars grown in low-pH soil (5.2) even though to a lesser extent than in limed soil with neutral pH (7.3). The increase in number of nodules correlated positively with plant root weight and upper plant biomass.

Molybdenum supply and biological fixation of nitrogen by two Brazilian common bean cultivars

ABSTRACT The common bean has been considered to have low biological nitrogen fixation capacity; however, this process can be made more effective with molybdenum (Mo) supplementation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Mo rates on the growth and biological nitrogen fixation by two Brazilian common bean cultivars using the 15N isotope dilution technique. The experiment was performed in 2014 in a completely randomized design arranged in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to 5 rates of Mo (control, 40, 80, 120 and 240 g ha-1), the common bean cultivars Aporé, Ouro Negro and NORH-54 (a non-nodulating common bean cultivar), and three replicates. The application of Mo and the inoculation with rhizobia strains contributed to improving nitrogen fixation and grain weight. The cultivar Ouro Negro showed a higher number and weight of nodules and a higher amount of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere than the cultivar Aporé. The biological nitrogen fixation of Aporé was more dependent on the application of Mo. These results indicated that inoculation with Rhizobium strains and Mo supply effectively contributed to biological nitrogen fixation and improving grain production.

Changes in haematology, blood mineral profile, ultra structure and superoxide dismutase activities in erythrocytes in hypophosphetemic buffaloes given excess molybdenum

Phosphorus deficiency in buffaloes resulted into development of macrocytic, normochromic anaemia with significant decline in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count. Erythrocytic superoxide dismutase activity was markedly decreased in hypophosphataemic animals given excess molybdenum (T2) in comparison to hypophosphataemic animals not given molybdenum (T3). Scanning electron microscopy of erythrocytes in both T2 and T3 animals showed presence of spherocytes, discocytes and slight membrane corrugations; while erythrocytes in healthy control (T1) appeared biconcave with mild poikilocytosis. From the present study it can be concluded that phosphorus deficiency induces ultrastructural abnormalities in erythrocyte, which is further aggravated by excess molybdenum supplementation. Increased oxidative damage may contribute structural changes in phosphorus deficiency and molybdenum toxicity.

Effect of iron and molybdenum addition on photofermentative hydrogen production from olive mill wastewater

Photofermentative hydrogen production from olive mill wastewater (OMW) by Rhodobacter sphaeroides O.U.001 was assessed under iron and molybdenum supplementation. Control cultures were only grown with 2% OMW containing media. The analysis included measurements of biomass accumulation, hydrogen production, pH variations of the medium, and changes in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater. Growth under control and Mo-supplemented experiments yielded about the same amount of biomass (∼0.4 g dry cell weight per L culture). On the other hand, Mo addition slightly enhanced the total volume of H 2 gas production (62 mL H 2), in comparison with the control reactor (40 mL H 2). Fe-supplemented cultures showed a significant increase on H 2 production (125 mL H 2), tough having a longer lag time for the observation of the first H 2 bubbles (24 h), compared to the control (15 h) and Mo-supplemented ones (15 h). Fe-added cultures also yielded better wastewater treatment by achieving 48.1% degradation of the initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) value compared to the control reactor having 30.2% COD removal efficiency. Advances described in this work have the potential to find applications in hydrogen industry while attempting an effective management of cheap feedstock utilization.

Effect of Different Levels of Copper and Molybdenum Supplements on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Follicle Characteristics in Cashmere Goats

A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the effects of different levels of copper (Cu, 0, 19, and 38mg/kg, dry matter (DM)) and molybdenum (Mo, 0 and 5mg/kg, DM) supplements and an interaction of these two factors on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and cashmere and follicle characteristics in cashmere goats. Thirty-six Liaoning cashmere goats (approximately 1.5years of age; 27.53 ± 1.38kg of body weight) were assigned randomly to one of six treatments and fed with Chinese wildrye- and alfalfa hay-based treatment diets (the basal diet contained 4.72mg Cu/kg, 1.65mg Mo/kg, and 0.21% S.). Body weight was measured on two consecutive days at the start and the end of the 70-day experimental period. On day30, the metabolism trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary Cu and Mo on nutrient digestibility. The cashmere and skin samples were collected on day70. Copper supplementation increased (P < 0.05) growth performance and fiber digestion, but there were no differences (P > 0.05) between Cu-supplemented groups. Addition of 19mg Cu/kg DM increased (P < 0.05) cashmere growth length or growth rate by increasing the number of active secondary follicles. Molybdenum supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) growth, but did not affect (P > 0.05) nutrient digestion, cashmere, and follicle characteristics. There is a tendency or significant interaction effect of Cu and Mo on growth performance (P = 0.057), cashmere growth (P = 0.076), or diameter (P < 0.05) which might be accomplished by changing the number of secondary follicle and active secondary follicle, and secondary to primary follicle ratio. In conclusion, the optimal supplemental Cu level for Liaoning cashmere goats fed with the basal diet was 19mg/kg DM (the total dietary Cu level of 23.72mg/kg DM), while 38mg Cu/kg DM supplementation was found to be needed when 5mg Mo/kg was added in the basal diet during the cashmere growing period.

Effect of chlorate, molybdate, and shikimic acid on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in aerobic and anaerobic cultures

Experiments were conducted to determine factors that affect sensitivity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to sodium chlorate (5 mM). In our first experiment, cultures grown without chlorate grew more rapidly than those with chlorate. An extended lag before logarithmic growth was observed in anaerobic but not aerobic cultures containing chlorate. Chlorate inhibition of growth during aerobic culture began later than that observed in anaerobic cultures but persisted once inhibition was apparent. Conversely, anaerobic cultures appeared to adapt to chlorate after approximately 10 h of incubation, exhibiting rapid compensatory growth. In anaerobic chlorate-containing cultures, 20% of total viable counts were resistant to chlorate by 6 h and had propagated to 100% resistance (>10 9 CFU mL −1) by 24 h. In the aerobic chlorate-containing cultures, 12.9% of colonies had detectable resistance to chlorate by 6 h, but only 1% retained detectable resistance at 24 h, likely because these cultures had opportunity to respire on oxygen and were thus not enriched via the selective pressure of chlorate. In another study, treatment with shikimic acid (0.34 mM), molybdate (1 mM) or their combination had little effect on aerobic or anaerobic growth of Salmonella in the absence of added chlorate. As observed in our earlier study, chlorate resistance was not detected in any cultures without added chlorate. Chlorate resistant Salmonella were recovered at equivalent numbers regardless of treatment after 8 h of aerobic or anaerobic culture with added chlorate; however, by 24 h incubation chlorate sensitivity was completely restored to aerobic but not anaerobic cultures treated with shikimic acid or molybdate but not their combination. Results indicate that anaerobic adaptation of S. Typhimurium to sodium chlorate during pure culture is likely due to the selective propagation of low numbers of cells exhibiting spontaneous resistance to chlorate and this resistance is not reversible by molybdenum supplementation.

Total and cancer mortality after supplementation with vitamins and minerals: follow-up of the Linxian General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial.

The General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial was a randomized primary esophageal and gastric cancer prevention trial conducted from 1985 to 1991, in which 29,584 adult participants in Linxian, China, were given daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Treatment with "factor D," a combination of 50 microg selenium, 30 mg vitamin E, and 15 mg beta-carotene, led to decreased mortality from all causes, cancer overall, and gastric cancer. Here, we present 10-year follow-up after the end of active intervention. Participants were assessed by periodic data collection, monthly visits by village health workers, and quarterly review of the Linxian Cancer Registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the cumulative effects of four vitamin and mineral supplementation regimens were calculated using adjusted proportional hazards models. Through May 31, 2001, 276 participants were lost to follow-up; 9727 died, including 3242 from cancer (1515 from esophageal cancer and 1199 from gastric cancer). Participants who received factor D had lower overall mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91 to 0.99; P = .009; reduction in cumulative mortality from 33.62% to 32.19%) and gastric cancer mortality (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.00; P = .043; reduction in cumulative gastric cancer mortality from 4.28% to 3.84%) than subjects who did not receive factor D. Reductions were mostly attributable to benefits to subjects younger than 55 years. Esophageal cancer deaths between those who did and did not receive factor D were not different overall; however, decreased 17% among participants younger than 55 (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71 to 0.98; P = .025) but increased 14% among those aged 55 years or older (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.30; P = .047) [corrected]. Vitamin A and zinc supplementation was associated with increased total and stroke mortality; vitamin C and molybdenum supplementation, with decreased stroke mortality. The beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants. Late effects of other supplementation regimens were also observed.

The effect of molybdenum, iron and sulphur supplementation on immune function in growing lambs

Clinical copper (Cu) deficiency in ruminant animals is mainly attributed to antagonistic interactions with molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe) and sulphur (S) and Williams et al. (2001) reported differential effects between Mo and S, compared with Fe and S on various copper parameters. Suttle and Jones (1986) reported an increased mortality of lambs and infection rate due to copper deficiency which suggests an effect of Cu deficiency on immune function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Mo or Fe and S on the cellular and humoral immune responses of growing lambs.

The effect of molybdenum, iron and sulphur supplementation on growth rate and copper status of lambs

For sheep and cattle, primary copper deficiency may occur due to a lack of copper within the feed or soil, whereas secondary copper deficiency may occur in the presence of a combination of high dietary levels of molybdenum (Mo), sulphur (S) and/or iron (Fe). This is due to the anaerobic interactions within the rumen (Phillippo et al., 1987) resulting in thiomolybdate production. Recent work suggests that iron may play a significant role in copper absorption. Mackenzie et al. (1997) proposed that a caeruloplasmin to plasma copper ratio may provide a more accurate biochemical indicator of copper status than other current techniques of assessment. A low ratio may suggest that thiomolybdate is being absorbed into the blood which reduces activity of the copper enzymes. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effect of molybdenum and iron in the presence of sulphur on the copper status and performance of intensively reared lambs, and to predict the accuracy of this ratio when assessing the effects of molybdenum or iron on copper metabolism.

Experimental Copper Deficiency, Chromium Deficiency and Additional Molybdenum Supplementation in Goats – Pathological Findings

Secondary copper (Cu) deficiency, chromium (Cr) deficiency and molybdenosis (Mo) has been suggested to cause the "mysterious" moose disease in the southwest of Sweden. The present experiment was performed on goats to investigate the clinical, chemical, and pathological alterations after 20 months feeding of a semi-synthetic diet deficient in Cu and Cr. Four groups were included in the study: control group (n = 4), Cu-deficient group (group 1, n = 4), Cr-deficient group (group 2, n = 2) and Cu+Cr-deficient group (group 3, n = 3). Group 3 was additionally supplemented with tetrathiomolybdate during the last 2 months of the experiment. Main histopathological findings in groups 1 and 3 were the lesions in the liver, characterised by a severe active fibrosis, bile duct proliferation, haemosiderosis and mild necroses. Additionally, degenerative alterations of the exocrine pancreas were prominent in groups 1 and 3. Lesions in group 3 were more pronounced than in group 1. In group 3, the skin showed an atrophic dermatosis, while in group 2 a crusty dermatitis caused by Candida spp. was observed. This study shows that liver, pancreas and skin are mainly affected by a long term deficiency of copper and the findings are complicated by molybdenum application while chromium deficiency produced no histomorphological effects in our study.

Experimental copper and chromium deficiency and additional molybdenum supplementation in goats. II. Concentrations of trace and minor elements in liver, kidneys and ribs: haematology and clinical chemistry

Since the mid-1980s a previously undescribed disease has affected moose in south-western Sweden. Investigations made to reveal evidence of a viral aetiology have proved unsuccessful. Trace element studies in apparently healthy moose shot during regular hunting suggested a trace element imbalance, with excessive molybdenum uptake causing secondary copper deficiency. The results also indicated a possible chromium deficiency. To verify this hypothesis, an experimental study was performed in male goats fed a semi-synthetic diet for 1.5 years. The animals were kept and treated in four groups: Controls, Cu-deficient group (group 1), Cr-deficient group (group 2), and combined Cu- and Cr-deficient group with additional supplementation of tetrathiomolybdate for 10 weeks at the end of the study (group 3). The present paper presents tissue contents of trace and minor elements, haematology and clinical chemical parameters. Feed consumption and weight development, as well as pathological and histopathological investigations, were also performed in this study, but these results are presented elsewhere. Changes in trace element concentrations were determined by comparing groups 1, 2 and 3 with the control group. Increased concentrations were observed for Al, Ca, Co, Fe, Mo, Pb, Se in the liver; for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo in the kidneys; and for Mn and Mo in the ribs. Considerable accumulation of Mn in ribs seems to be a useful way to determine oxidative stress. Decreases in Mg and P in all organs and blood serum is characteristic of Cu deficiency and molybdenosis. Also the ratio of Ca/Mg was increased as the result of tissue lesions causing an intracellular increase in Ca and decrease in Mg. The trace element changes observed in group 1 were enhanced by the Mo supplementation in group 3, resulting in characteristic patterns, ‘spectra’ of changes. The alterations were not as remarkable in group 2 as in the two other groups. However, Cr deficiency considerably influenced Al, Co, V and to a smaller extent also Mn in ribs. In groups 1 and 2, only a few minor changes were detected in the haematological parameters, probably caused by increased adrenal activity after transportation of the animals. In group 3, severe anaemia was present but also a leukopenia. For the different clinical chemical parameters measured, all three groups showed changes, explained mainly by the altered activity of enzymes induced by trace element deficiencies and imbalance. Impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was seen in groups 1 and 3, with increased concentrations of glucose, lactate and triglycerides in serum. Increased concentrations of total bilirubin were measured in all three groups (bile stasis was also seen post mortem). A considerably increased concentration of serum urea was found in group 3, although there were no indications of renal insufficiency or dehydration. Regarding hormones, a substantial decrease was seen in thyroxine (T 4) in group 3 as a result of the molybdenosis, but a minor decrease was also seen in group 1. Insulin on the other hand showed increased levels in group 3 — and especially in group 2 due to the Cr deficiency but also affected by the molybdenosis. As could be expected, Cu deficiency (groups 1 and 3) caused low levels of caeruloplasmin, secondarily affecting the Fe metabolism in these animals. Protein abnormalities, detected as altered electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins, were also seen mainly in group 3. The findings were also confirmed by multivariate data analysis, where PCA revealed the overall impact of the deficiencies, and PLS regression coefficients indicated the influence on the various analytes.

Experimental copper and chromium deficiency and additional molybdenum supplementation in goats I. Feed consumption and weight development

Secondary Cu deficiency, Cr deficiency and molybdenosis were suggested causes of the ‘mysterious’ disease afflicting moose ( Alces alces L.) in a region in south-west Sweden affected by acid rain. A model experiment with goats was performed to study the clinical chemical parameters, determine the tissue contents of trace and minor elements, to perform pathological and histopathological investigations and to compare the findings with those in moose disease. Twenty 3-month-old male goats were assigned to four dietary treatments (five animals each) in an experiment lasting for 20 months. The four groups in the study were: control group, Cu-deficient group (group 1), Cr-deficient group (group 2), and Cu- and Cr-deficient group (group 3). The animals were fed a basic semi-synthetic diet. At the end of the study the three surviving animals of group 3 were supplemented with additional tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) during the last 2 months. Feed consumption and weight development of the animals were monitored and are presented. The feed consumption of the two Cu-deficient groups of goats (group 1 and group 3) supported the previously described observations in copper deficiency in ruminants, e.g. decreased appetite and feed intake. A previously unreported effect of Cr deficiency in ruminants is now described in goats. Chromium deficiency at adequate Cu supplementation (group 2), caused increased lipid synthesis and a weight gain of 32 kg compared with that of the control group (20 kg). A possible explanation for this unexpected weight increase in only Cr deficiency is discussed. It is concluded that the feeding experiment does not support the hypothesis concerning the relation of Cr deficiency to the moose disease.

The effect of dietary molybdenum supplementation on tissue copper concentrations, mohair fibre and carcass characteristics of growing Angora goats

The purpose of this experiment was to better characterize the effects of the interaction between copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and sulphur (S) in the diet on growth, metabolism and fibre characteristics in Angora goats. 15 Angora goats aged 9 months and weighing 21.5 kg on average were used in a ten-week study and allocated to three dietary treatments: Treatment C (10 MJ metabolisable energy, 178 g crude protein, 5.5 mg Cu, 0.57 mg Mo, and 3.4 g S): Treatment M1 (with 7.5 mg Mo) or Treatment M2 (with 15 mg Mo) per animal per day. Dose-dependent increases in the concentrations of Mo ( P < 0.01) and Cu ( P < 0.05) in plasma were recorded in response to increased dietary intake of Mo. Supplementation of the control diet with increased concentrations of Mo did not produce effects ( P > 0.05) on growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight or mohair fibre yield and diameter. Haematological status and concentration of Cu in liver and Cu and S in fibre at the end of the study were also not affected ( P > 0.05). Concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble “available” copper in plasma were not significantly different although significant ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) reductions in the ratio of “available” to total Cu concentrations were observed. This effect was stabilised and maintained after 30 days. It is suggested that the additional Cu in plasma was largely TCA insoluble and possibly in the form of thiomolybdate complexes which may be poorly excreted and not available for uptake to the metabolic sites. It is evident that adequate “available” Cu was present in plasma and that exposure to elevated Mo intake was not severe or long enough to produce clinical symptoms or to affect growth, haematological status or fibre production.