Plasma Copper Research Articles

Evaluating associations between early pregnancy trace elements mixture and 2nd trimester gestational glucose levels: A comparison of three statistical approaches.

Studies have shown that individual trace element levels might be associated with abnormal glycemic status, with implications for diabetes. Few studies have considered these trace elements as a mixture and their impact on gestational glucose levels. Comparing three statistical approaches, we assessed the associations between essential trace elements mixture and gestational glucose levels. We used data from 1720 women enrolled in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Fetal Growth Study, for whom trace element concentrations (zinc, selenium, copper, molybdenum) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using plasma collected during the 1st trimester. Non-fasting glucose levels were measured during the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening test in the 2nd trimester. We applied (1) Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR); (2) adaptive Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) in a mutually adjusted linear regression model; and (3) generalized additive models (GAMs) to evaluate the joint associations between trace elements mixture and glucose levels adjusting for potential confounders. Using BKMR, we observed a mean 2.7mg/dL higher glucose level for each interquartile increase of plasma copper (95% credible interval: 0.9, 4.5). The positive association between plasma copper and glucose levels was more pronounced at higher quartiles of zinc. Similar associations were detected using adaptive LASSO and GAM. In addition, results from adaptive LASSO and GAM suggested a super-additive interaction between molybdenum and selenium (both p-values=0.04). Employing different statistical methods, we found consistent evidence of higher gestational glucose levels associated with higher copper and potential synergism between zinc and copper on glucose levels.

Multiple plasma metals, genetic risk and serum C-reactive protein: A metal-metal and gene-metal interaction study

BackgroundC-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-recognized biomarker of inflammation, which can be used as a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Evidence have suggested exposure to multiple metals/metalloids may affect immune system and give rise to cardiovascular disease. However, it is lack of study to comprehensively evaluate the association of multiple metals and CRP, the interactions between metals, and the gene-metal interaction in relation to CRP levels. AimsTo explore the associations of multiple plasma metals with serum CRP, and to test the interactions between metals, and gene-metal interactions on the levels of serum CRP. MethodsWe included 2882 participants from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, China, and measured 23 plasma metals and serum CRP concentrations. The genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on 7 established CRP-associated variants. For metals which were associated with the levels of CRP, we further tested the interactions between metals on CRP, and analyzed the gene-metal interactions on CRP. ResultsThe median level for CRP in the total population was 1.17 mg/L. After multivariable adjustment, plasma copper was positively associated with serum CRP (FDR < 0.001), whereas selenium was negatively associated with serum CRP (FDR = 0.01). Moreover, selenium and zinc attenuated the positive association between high plasma copper and CRP (P for interaction < 0.001). Participants with a higher GRS had a higher CRP level, with the increase in ln-transformed CRP per increment of 5 risk alleles were 0.64 for weighted GRS, and 0.54 for unweighted GRS (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, the genetic association with CRP was modified by copper concentration (P for interaction < 0.001). ConclusionsOur results suggest that serum CRP is positively associated with plasma concentration of copper, and inversely associated with selenium. Plasma zinc, selenium and CRP genetic predisposition would modify the associations between plasma copper and serum CRP.

Serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction

Background: Fetal growth restriction is associated with many adverse effects and increases the risk of perinatal mortality by more than ten-fold. Zinc, selenium, iron, and copper have important roles in cell proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress which possibly serve as the basis for development of fetal growth restriction. Objective: To compare serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper plasma levels between normal pregnancies and pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Materials and Methods: The present was a cross-sectional study conducted at Obstetrics Emergency Unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta from February until May 2017. Normal pregnant women and pregnant women with fetal growth restriction were recruited in this study. Maternal blood samples were taken before labor, and serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels measurements were done. Results: Thirty normal pregnancies and 30 pregnancies with fetal growth restriction were enrolled in this study. Mean serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in normal pregnancy were 42.07 µg/dL, 69.80 µg/L, 70.50 µg/dL, and 2177 µg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, mean serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in pregnancy with fetal growth restriction were 43.53 µg/dL, 80.83 µg/L, 106 µg/dL, and 2,133.5 µg/L, respectively. There were significant differences in serum selenium concentrations (p = 0.013) and serum iron concentrations (p = 0.009) between the two groups. There were no significant differences in serum zinc and copper levels between both groups. Conclusion: Serum selenium and iron levels were higher in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Conclusion: The present study indicates the significant roles of micronutrients and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction.

Nutritional Factors Modulating Alu Methylation in an Italian Sample from The Mark-Age Study Including Offspring of Healthy Nonagenarians.

Alu hypomethylation promotes genomic instability and is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Dietary factors affect global DNA methylation, leading to changes in genomic stability and gene expression with an impact on longevity and the risk of disease. This preliminary study aims to investigate the relationship between nutritional factors, such as circulating trace elements, lipids and antioxidants, and Alu methylation in elderly subjects and offspring of healthy nonagenarians. Alu DNA methylation was analyzed in sixty RASIG (randomly recruited age-stratified individuals from the general population) and thirty-two GO (GeHA offspring) enrolled in Italy in the framework of the MARK-AGE project. Factor analysis revealed a different clustering between Alu CpG1 and the other CpG sites. RASIG over 65 years showed lower Alu CpG1 methylation than those of GO subjects in the same age class. Moreover, Alu CpG1 methylation was associated with fruit and whole-grain bread consumption, LDL2-Cholesterol and plasma copper. The preserved Alu methylation status in GO, suggests Alu epigenetic changes as a potential marker of aging. Our preliminary investigation shows that Alu methylation may be affected by food rich in fibers and antioxidants, or circulating LDL subfractions and plasma copper.

Plasma metals and serum bilirubin levels in workers from manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort (MEWHC)

Few studies specifically address the possible associations between multiple-metal exposures and liver damage among the occupational population. This study aimed to explore the cross-sectional relationships of plasma metals with liver function parameters. For 571 on-the-spot workers in the manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort (MEWHC), we determined liver function parameters: total bilirubin (TBILI), direct bilirubin (DBILI), indirect bilirubin (IBILI), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Total concentrations of 22 plasma metals were measured by ICP-MS. The LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) penalized regression model was applied for selecting plasma metals independently associated with liver function parameters. Multiple linear regression analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were utilized for identifying the exposure-response relationship of plasma metals with liver function parameters. After adjusting for covariates and selected metals, a 1-SD increase in log-10 transformed levels of iron was associated with increases in the levels of TBILI, DBILI and IBILI by 20.3%, 12.1% and 23.7%, respectively; similar increases in molybdenum for decreases in levels of TBILI, DBILI and IBILI by 6.1%, 2.6% and 8.3%, respectively. The effect of a 1-SD increase in plasma copper corresponded decreases of 3.2%, 3.4% and 5.0% in TBILI, AST and ALT levels, respectively. The spline analyses further clarified the non-linear relationships between plasma iron and bilirubin whilst negative linear relationships for plasma molybdenum and bilirubin. Plasma iron was positively whilst plasma molybdenum was negatively associated with increased serum bilirubin levels. Further studies are needed to validate these associations and uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Dependence of radiation decay constant of laser produced copper plasma on focal position

Laser-induced copper plasma is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Laser-induced plasma on the surface of the copper sample is generated by focusing a nanosecond (∼7 ns) laser pulse. The experiment is performed in the ambient atmosphere at three different focal positions (lens to sample distances). The main objective of this work is to investigate the effect of the focal position on the radiation decay constant of the plasma. Experimental data are used for estimating the plasma temperature, electron density, ablated mass, and radiation decay constant. It is shown that these parameters essentially depend on the focal position with respect to the sample surface. The theory of relaxation of radiation is considered for the kinetic evolution of the plasma. The results of the theory are compared with the obtained experimental data.

A plasma-chemical reactor of coupled vacuum-arc and ion-plasma processes for protective coatings formation based on titanium nitride

A plasma-chemical reactor based on the principle of coupling of gas-discharge processes in a VU-1B vacuum installation has been developed. This plasma-chemical reactor combine vacuum-arc evaporation of titanium in a nitrogen-containing plasma and ion-plasma sputtering of copper with the formation of copper vapor. The basis of this method of coatings deposition is the principle of dosing the injection copper vapor into the region of TiN synthesis through a separating diaphragm with a variable metering aperture, which prevents penetration of a titanium vapor into the copper cathode of the magnetron. The synthesis of TiN coatings in copper vapors has been carried out with the formation of nanostructured composite TiN-Cu coatings.

Socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of the micronutrients status during pregnancy

Abstract Micronutrients status during pregnancy is recognized as one of the environmental factors that can have an impact on maternal and children’s health. The study aims at evaluating sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental, and pregnancy-related determinants of maternal micronutrients status during pregnancy. The analysis was based on data from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). During the second trimester of pregnancy, 1306 women filled in a modified version of the validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on which the intake of the following micronutrients was estimated: calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, folate, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. In addition, copper, zinc and selenium levels were measured in the blood collected during the second trimester of pregnancy. About 95% of the women took dietary supplements during pregnancy. Despite such supplementation in the case of a high proportion of the women the intake of majority of the analyzed micronutrients was below recommendations for the pregnancy period (based on the Estimated Average Requirement). The mean plasma zinc, copper and selenium concentrations were 0.9±0.3 mg/l, 2.0±0.6 mg/l and 48.4±10.5 ug/l, respectively. The chance to reach the recommended intake for vitamin A, vitamin D and selenium was higher among the multiparous women (OR = 1.53 p = 0.007; OR = 1.44 p = 0.02; OR = 1.48 p = 0.009) and for zinc among the women with a higher socio-economic status (SES) (OR = 1.43 p = 0.04). For other variables the results were not statistically significant. A higher selenium level in the plasma was observed among the older women (p = 0.01) and those with a higher SES (p = 0.03). The current study presents evidence on specific factors influencing the micronutrients intake. They need to be accounted for in educational programs and interventions that focus on healthy diet recommendations during pregnancy. Key messages In the case of a high proportion of the women the intake of majority of the analyzed micronutrients was below recommendations for the pregnancy period. More effort should be taken to educational programs and interventions that focus on healthy diet recommendations during pregnancy.

Association of Fasting Insulin with Plasma and RBC Micronutrients Copper, Zinc in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Copper and Zinc are extremely important trace elements involved in a number of metabolic processes. Imbalance of a trace element may be the consequence of certain disorders. Zn plays a clear role in the synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin as well as conformational integrity of insulin in the hexametric form. The decreased levels of Zn affect the ability of the islet cell to produce and secrete insulin thus complicating the problem, particularly in Type 2 diabetes. Cu is an integral part of numerous enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase that are involved in metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to find out the association between fasting plasma insulin and plasma, RBC Cu and Zn among both the control healthy also newly diagnosed type 2 DM. A case control study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry jointly with the Department of Endocrine Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. A total of 64 non-smokers, non- alcoholic, normotensive subjects free from renal and hepatic diseases were included in this study. Among them thirty three were newly diagnosed type - 2 DM. Thirty one were age and sex matched healthy control. Mean±SD of fasting insulin was 13.13±7.87 µU/ml and 16.53±13.78 µU/ml in healthy controls and newly diagnosed type -2 DM. The median values of RBC Zn of both groups were 6984.00 ppb and 5155.50 ppb respectively (p&lt;.001). Significant negative correlation was found between plasma Insulin and RBC Zn (p&lt;.0001, r = -.7881) in newly diagnosed type 2 DM. Others showed no significant correlations. All the median values of trace elements significantly differed between groups. Micronutrients derangement could be related to type -2 Diabetes Mellitus development as well as its complications.

Greater Circulating Copper Concentrations and Copper/Zinc Ratios are Associated with Lower Psychological Distress, But Not Cognitive Performance, in a Sample of Australian Older Adults.

Dyshomeostasis of copper and zinc is linked to neurodegeneration. This study investigated the relationship between circulating copper and zinc and copper/zinc ratios and cognitive function, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and neurotrophic factors in older Australian adults. In this cross-sectional study (n = 139), plasma copper, serum zinc, and neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1) were assessed. Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate battery and the Behavior Rating Inventory (BRI) of Executive Function (Adult version). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Copper (β = −0.024; 95% CI = −0.044, −0.004; p = 0.019) and copper/zinc ratio (β = −1.99; 95% CI = −3.41, −0.57; p = 0.006) were associated with lower depressive symptoms, but not cognition. Plasma copper had a modest positive association with BDNF (β = −0.004; 95% CI = 0.000, 0.007; p = 0.021). Zinc was not associated with any of the outcomes. In conclusion, greater circulating copper concentrations and higher copper/zinc ratios were associated with lower depressive symptoms (but not cognition), with copper also positively associated with BDNF concentration, in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutations in AP1B1, Encoding Beta-1 Subunit of Adaptor-Related Protein Complex 1, Cause MEDNIK-like Syndrome

MEDNIK syndrome (mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by bi-allelic mutations in AP1S1, encoding the small σ subunit of the AP-1 complex. Central to the pathogenesis of MEDNIK syndrome is abnormal AP-1-mediated trafficking of copper transporters; this abnormal trafficking results in a hybrid phenotype combining the copper-deficiency-related characteristics of Menkes disease and the copper-toxicity-related characteristics of Wilson disease. We describe three individuals from two unrelated families in whom a MEDNIK-like phenotype segregates with two homozygous null variants in AP1B1, encoding the large β subunit of the AP-1 complex. Similar to individuals with MEDNIK syndrome, the affected individuals we report display abnormal copper metabolism, evidenced by low plasma copper and ceruloplasmin, but lack evidence of copper toxicity in the liver. Functional characterization of fibroblasts derived from affected individuals closely resembles the abnormal ATP7A trafficking described in MEDNIK syndrome both at baseline and in response to copper treatment. Taken together, our results expand the list of inborn errors of copper metabolism.

Trace elements in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 studies (N = 5151 participants).

The pathogenesis of schizophrenia appears to be multifaceted. The aim of this meta-analysis of studies that investigated blood and hair concentrations of trace elements in people diagnosed with schizophrenia was to determine whether levels of trace elements in patients with schizophrenia differ from those in healthy individuals. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to January 2018. Studies that compared concentrations of trace elements in patients with schizophrenia with those in healthy controls, in patients with schizophrenia under different treatment regimens, or in patients with schizophrenia at different stages of disease were included. Data on study and sample characteristics and measures of trace elements were extracted. Thirty-nine studies with a total of 5151 participants were included. Meta-analysis of combined plasma and serum data showed higher levels of copper, lower levels of iron, and lower levels of zinc among patients with schizophrenia vs controls without schizophrenia. Subgroup analyses confirmed the following: higher levels of copper in plasma, in users of typical antipsychotic drugs, and in males; lower levels of zinc in serum, in patients in Asia, in drug-naive/drug-free patients, and in inpatients; lower levels of iron in serum, in patients in Asia, in drug-naive/drug-free patients, in patients on antipsychotic drugs, in inpatients, in patients with acute or newly diagnosed schizophrenia, in patients with chronic or previously diagnosed schizophrenia, and in males; and lower levels of manganese in plasma and in patients with chronic or previously diagnosed schizophrenia. This meta-analysis provides evidence of an excess of copper, along with deficiencies of zinc, iron, and manganese, in patients with schizophrenia.

Influence of Copper Vapors in SF6 Plasma

In this study a theoretical approach allows estimating the ablation mass flux of copper from a corrected Hertz-Knudsen flux. The influence of the copper vapours coming from the anode electrode to an SF6 plasma is studied in a simplified 2D configuration. Depending on the plasma pressure an ablation or a diffusion state is considered. The amount of copper versus time is presented. An RMS current I=10 kA is applied leading at t=10 ms to an amount of copper equal to 0.55 mg. The vapours change the plasma properties mainly the electrical conductivity and radiation and so the plasma behaviour. At time t=5 ms the electrode erosion leads to a copper plasma. This simple case shows the necessity to well consider the copper erosion in plasma modelling as in High Voltage Circuit Breaker (HVCB) where higher current are considered.

Metallographic Comparison of Copper and Brass Plasma Reactor Electrodes After a Month of Operation

Metallographic Comparison of Copper and Brass Plasma Reactor Electrodes After a Month of Operation

Extreme-UV absorption processes in a laser-produced mid-Z plasma: Measurements and theoretical interpretation

A good knowledge of absorption properties of plasmas at temperature of few tens of eV is essential in several domains such as astrophysics and inertial fusion science. For instance the description of stellar envelopes or the analysis of beta-Cephei pulsation requires an accurate determination of the Rosseland absorption coefficient, which strongly depends on the radiative properties of plasmas in the extreme-UV (XUV) range. Contrary to measurements in X-ray range, the literature on the absorption properties of plasmas of mid-Z elements in XUV domain is less abundant. Furthermore the theoretical interpretation of such spectra represents a theoretical challenge since this energy range involves transition arrays from n equal 3 to 3 with an approximately half-open 3d subshell and possibly other open spectator subshells which contain a huge number of lines. The aim of this paper is to describe an experiment recently performed on the LULI 2000 laser facility mostly devoted to measurements of the absorption in the 60 – 180 eV spectral region in a copper plasma at a temperature of 10 to 30 eV and a density of few mg/cm3. The experimental scheme is based on an indirect heating of multilayer thin foils by two gold cavities irradiated by two nanosecond doubled-frequency beams with an energy of several hundreds of J. This scheme allows one to obtain moderate temperature- and density-gradients and ensures conditions close to local thermodynamic equilibrium. The self-emission of cavities in XUV range is tentatively eliminated by the use of a time-dependent detection. A preliminary interpretation of these measurements is proposed. This analysis relies on three different codes: the hybrid code SCO-RCG, the Flexible Atomic Code in detailed or configuration-average mode, and the HULLAC code in level or configuration mode. A partial agreement is obtained between theory and experiment, though the account for temperature gradients is probably necessary to accurately describe the present measurements.

Zinc, copper, and oxysterol levels in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The present study has the objective to assess the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and oxysterols plasma levels in type 1 (DM1) (n=26) and type 2 (DM2) (n=80) diabetes patients, as compared to healthy controls (n=71), in order to testify whether metal levels may have a significant impact on the association between oxysterols and diabetes. Plasma trace elements and plasma oxysterols were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Lifestyle, smoking status, alcohol intake, and drug usage, as well as microvascular complications, were also monitored and reported. The obtained data demonstrated that both DM1 and DM2 patients were characterized by significantly elevated HbA1c, FBG, TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TG levels as compared to controls. Plasma Zn levels and Zn/Cu ratio in DM1 and DM2 patients were about 3- and 2-fold lower than controls. No significant differences in plasma Cu levels were reported. The 7-ketocholesterol (7-kchol) levels in DM1 and DM2 patients exceeded these values in healthy individuals by 2.5 and 5-fold, respectively. Similarly, cholestan-3β, 5α, 6β-triol (chol-triol) levels were more than 3- and 6-fold higher when compared to the respective values in non-diabetic controls. In regression models decreased plasma Zn and elevated oxysterol levels were significantly associated with HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels, after adjustment for anthropometric and clinical variables, as well as routine biochemical markers. Plasma Zn concentration is inversely associated with both 7-kchol and chol-triol levels. Assessment of Zn and oxysterol levels may be used both for risk assessment and as targets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Elemental metabolomics to identify pregnancy risk factors and predict gestational outcomes

Objectives: Micronutrition is associated with a range of perinatal outcomes and risk factors known to cause gestational disorders. Asthma, BMI, and smoking have all shown to have significant effects on pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA). This project aims to apply elemental metabolomics in plasma and urine to identify relationships between elemental concentrations and pregnancy risk factors, using this information to predict gestational outcomes. Methods: Plasma and urine samples were obtained from a cohort of 18-week pregnant women from the Lyell McEwin Hospital (Adelaide, Australia). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure 29 elements in plasma and urine from 117 patients (69 control, 48 complicated). Results: High BMI was associated with lower concentrations of essential elements magnesium, iron, and selenium in both plasma and urine (8.5% - 27%, p < 0.05) and higher concentrations of plasma copper (12%, p < 0.01). Asthmatic patients had increased levels of plasma sodium (5.9%, p < 0.05); whilst cobalt, cadmium, and caesium were lower, along with urinary manganese (24% - 81%, p < 0.05). Smoking was associated with higher urinary zinc, rubidium, and plasma cobalt (24% - 43%, p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, placental weight, SGA, and preterm birth were able to be detected at 18 weeks. Increased selenium and molybdenum in plasma predicted a placenta under 500 g with 89% accuracy. Babies born SGA were identified 88% of the time using the ratio of copper to strontium in plasma. In 80% of cases, urine thallium and iodine could distinguish preterm birth from term pregnancies. Conclusion: This study is the first to apply elemental metabolomics to multiple samples from 18-week pregnant women. The power of elemental metabolomics can be seen in its ability to possibly predict gestational outcomes early, providing insight into these complex disorders and risk factors.

Baru Almonds Increase the Activity of Glutathione Peroxidase in Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Obesity-induced inflammation is frequently associated with higher oxidative stress. In vitro and experimental studies have considered baru almonds (Dipteryx alata Vog) as a legume seed with high antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether baru almonds are capable of improving the inflammatory and antioxidant status in overweight and obese women. Methods: In a parallel-arm, randomized placebo-controlled trial, 46 overweight and obese women (age: 40 ± 11 years; body mass index: 33.3 ± 4.3) were randomly assigned to receive advice to follow a normocaloric and isoenergetic diet with placebo (PLA, n = 22) or similar advice plus 20 g baru almonds (BARU, n = 24) for 8 wk. Malondialdehyde (MDA), adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase—CAT; glutathione peroxidase—GPx; superoxide dismutase—SOD), and minerals were analyzed in plasma samples. Results: At baseline, groups were similar regarding the body composition, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters. The BARU group increased the activity of GPx (+0.08 U/mg, 95%CI + 0.05 to +0.12 vs. −0.07, 95%CI −0.12 to −0.03, p < 0.01) and plasma copper concentration (p = 0.037) when compared to the PLA group. No differences were observed between groups in CAT and SOD activity or MDA and cytokines concentrations. Conclusions: Baru almond supplementation increased the GPx activity in overweight and obese women.

Influence of Bypass Fat and Mineral Supplementation during Transitional Period on Plasma Trace Minerals Profile and Postpartum Fertility in Jafarabadi Buffaloes

This investigation was carried out on 40 advanced pregnant Jafarabadi buffaloes of 2–4 parity equally divided into two groups, viz., control and treatment groups. The control animals were maintained on standard routine farm feeding, and the animals of the treatment group received additional oral supplements of 50 g chelated mineral mixture and 150 g bypass fat daily along with concentrates for 6 weeks prepartum and 8 weeks postpartum. The bypass fat was given @ 15 g/liter of milk produced limiting up to 200 g/head/day from 15–60 days postpartum. Ten animals in each control and treatment group further received Inj. Stimvet 5 mL (micro-minerals) around day 45 prepartum and on day of calving. Half of these Stimvet treated and control subgroups also received ecbolic Exapar (n = 5) 2 boli/day for 4 consecutive days postpartum. Blood samples were obtained from all animals by jugular vein puncture on the day –45, –30, –7 and 0 (day of calving), 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 peripartum for estimation of plasma trace minerals, viz., zinc, iron, copper, cobalt, and manganese. The plasma zinc and copper concentrations were found to be higher on day 30 prepartum and again on day 7 postpartum in Stimvet injected groups.Moreover, the overall pooled mean concentration of zinc was significantly higher in nutrients supplemented than the control group. The plasma concentrations of iron, cobalt, and manganese did not reveal any specific trend or significant variations between groups or between periods within any of the groups. Further, the peripartum oral nutrients supplementation significantly shortened the periods of placental expulsion time and uterine involution, with early onset of postpartum first estrus, apparently shorter service period and enhanced pregnancy rate in comparison to control group. The influence of Stimvet and Exapar alone or in combination, however, did not show a significant beneficial effect on these traits, except shortened placental expulsion time and higher plasma zinc and cobalt status. Hence, the Jafarabadi buffalo keepers may be advised to provide additional oral nutrients supplementation in the form of bypass fat and chelated minerals over routine feeding to their animals during a transitional period for improved postpartum fertility.

Effect of Ca and P supplementation on the haematological parameters and content of selected minerals in the blood of young farmed fallow deer males (Dama dama)

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of supplementation of feed rations with increased calcium and phosphorus doses on the haematological parameters and plasma zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) content as well as the body weight and the growth and development of the first antler in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama Linnaeus, 1758). The mean level of erythrocytes (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), and haematocrit (HCT) was increased in the Ca- and P-supplemented group after the treatment period. The change was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the case of RBC and HCT. The other haematological parameters (mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count (PLT)) were reduced. An increase in the Zn content was observed in the plasma of slaughtered animals. The concentration of other minerals (P, Mg, and Cu only in group II receiving a higher level of Ca and P in the feeding dose; Ca and Fe only in group I supplemented with a lower content of Ca and P in a nutritional dose) in blood plasma decreased slightly after the supplementation period and declined further after the slaughter. Noteworthy, there was a significant increase in the plasma Cu and Fe levels in group I in group II, respectively, in the post-supplementation period. No significant differences were observed in the body weight between the groups, but there was a beneficial effect of the higher Ca and P dose in the feed ration for the farmed fallow deer on the length of the first antler (p < 0.05). The antlers of animals in group II were on average 2.3 cm longer than in group I.