Trace Mineral Deficiencies Research Articles

Risk factors of seizure and complex seizure in febrile children: a clinical study

PurposeThere is some evidence that trace element and mineral deficiencies may promote the occurrence of febrile seizures. However, the role of these elements in the occurrence of complex seizures in children with FS has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study was conducted to evaluate this issue.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 220 patients including 110 febrile and 110 FS children aged 6–60 months were studied. Blood samples were taken and serum zinc, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium levels were measured. Demographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded.ResultsThe patients were similar in age and sex. Higher serum zinc levels decreased the risk of seizure (RR = 0.95, p-value = 0.0001) and complex seizure (OR = 0.96, p-value = 0.03). Higher serum sodium levels decreased the risk of complex seizures (OR = 0.85, p-value = 0.023). Higher serum potassium levels were associated with a lower risk of seizure (OR = 0.55, p-value = 0.035). Serum calcium and magnesium levels were not associated with the risk of seizure and complex seizure. A BMI at the upper end of the normal range decreased the risk of complex seizures (OR = 0.83, p-value = 0.05). Male sex increased the risk of complex seizure (OR = 4.14, p-value = 0.016).ConclusionsLow serum levels of zinc, potassium and sodium are risk factors for seizure and complex seizure in febrile children. Male sex is also a risk factor for complex seizures. The time from fever to seizure was shorter in younger children. Children with a BMI at the upper end of the normal range have a lower risk of having a complex seizure.

Effects of deep-sea water on training efficiency, locomotor function and respiratory metabolism in young and aged mice

Deep sea water (DSW) contains many trace minerals, and its applications, which include its use as drinking water, have gradually been expanding. Generally, humans tend to be lacking in mineral intake and deficiencies of trace minerals may increase the risk of several health problems. In recent years, the lack of exercise among the elderly has become an issue, leading to the onset of frailty and sarcopenia, which in turn increases the risk of dementia. Therefore, we investigated whether the daily intake of DSW-extract-added water (DSW; hardness 300 mg/L) impacted the training effect in aged mice. Treatment with DSW significantly induced a training effect in aged mice subjected to treadmill exercise. Locomotor function and metabolic capacity were also significantly increased in aged mice after DSW treatment. The results indicate that daily intake of DSW may enhance the training effect of exercise and affect locomotor performance.

19 Strategies to optimize the trace mineral status of weaned beef calves

Abstract Trace mineral nutrition of pre-weaned beef calves is derived from 1) tissue stores at birth, 2) milk, 3) forage, and 4) supplement. In most production systems, calves are born with adequate trace mineral status, namely Cu, Zn, Mn and Se. One exception, however, is severe Se deficiency in the dam which may result in White Muscle Disease in Se-deficient calves shortly after birth. Despite general adequacy at birth, tissue concentrations of these elements often decrease during the pre-weaning period due to inadequacies in milk and trace mineral deficiency of forages. Trace mineral losses are further exacerbated by a variety of stressors naturally occurring throughout the production system, including, but not limited to, environmental, social, and immunological. Weaning, which is unavoidable in modern production systems, is the most stressful experience a beef animal will experience in their lifetime. To avoid deficiency at weaning, trace mineral deficits must be addressed through supplementation during the pre-weaning period. One of the most common supplementation methods involves the blending of supplemental trace minerals with common salt, offered free choice. This system assumes that cattle have a “nutritional wisdom” to consume salt at a level that meets their requirement for Na. Although largely effective in most grazing situations, this management system is not without complications. Notably, salt-based, free-choice mineral supplements are offered simultaneously to cow/calf pairs with known variation in voluntary intake. The necessity to understand and manage free-choice intake is the basic principle behind all successful free-choice mineral supplementation systems. In tropical and subtropical climates, where a large percentage of the world’s beef is produced, cattle are typically enrolled in year-long grazing schedules that are characterized by dry and wet seasons. In these environments, the craving for salt increases as forage DM decreases resulting in large seasonally impacted reductions in voluntary intake of salt-based, free-choice mineral supplements. During the dry season, when forage moisture is low, free-choice, salt-based mineral consumption often does not meet anticipated target levels due to a reduced natural craving for salt. There are other examples where seasonal variation in salt craving impacts the effectiveness of targeting appropriate voluntary intake of free-choice mineral supplements. For example, in some coastal regions of the world, salt-water intrusion will impact the Na content of forages and drinking water. In these regions, cattle may avoid salt-fortified supplements because of excessive Na intake from other sources. Fortunately, if we understand these regional and climatic impacts, there are effective management interventions that may be adopted to protect against trace mineral deficiency resulting from inadequate free-choice intake. This symposium presentation will review multiple pre-weaning mineral supplementation systems that have been shown to be effective for optimizing the mineral status of weaned beef calves.

Blood Trace Element Status in Camels: A Review.

Simple SummaryTrace elements are required in small quantities for all species, and their role in many biological functions is essential. Additionally, their deficiency or excess can have important consequences for metabolism and health. Although camels live in ecosystems dominated by minerals, they are also subject to such imbalances. To investigate the trace element status of camels, as for other animals, blood sampling is preferred. The present paper gives a large overview of the values observed in camel blood samples under different physiological and health conditions, as well as some data regarding the symptoms in deficiency or excess situations. The main trace elements involved are copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluorine and molybdenum. In addition, some data regarding bromide and nickel, due to their specific mention in the literature, are included. Although the status of sulfur is regarded as intermediary between the main and trace elements, it is added due to its role in polluted areas. Finally, some specificities of camel trace elements are discussed.Trace minerals play an important role in animal health and productivity. They are involved also in many physiological activities, and their deficiency causes a variety of pathological problems and metabolic defects, reducing consequently the animal productivity. The demand for animal products in semi-arid areas is rapidly increasing, and the supply is still below the required level, partially due to low animal productivity. Camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) are considered one of the main sources of healthy, high-quality meat and milk for human consumption within most of the countries in the semi-arid regions. Despite their efficient adaptation to their environment, camels can suffer from the growth retardation of newborns, low feed efficiency, anemia, poor fertility, poor reproduction and many other metabolic disorders. It is well known that trace mineral deficiencies and trace mineral toxicities can influence camels’ production and reproductive efficiency, as well as many aspects of their growth and metabolism. Evaluating the trace minerals status of camels and their variability is an obvious step toward improving camels’ productivity and health. Thus, the present article reviews the data regarding the status of trace minerals (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, sulfur, bromide and nickel) in camel blood and their physiological variability, with a focus on their deficiency and toxicity effects.

Роль дефицита микроэлементов в снижении фертильности и развитии бесплодия (клиническая лекция)

The clinical lecture is a continuation of our report on antioxidants published in one of the preceding issues of the magazine. In the current context of COVID-19 epidemic, the efforts to struggle for preservation of human life and health using all possible sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures, as well as advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, imply fertility preservation in the population together with positive solutions to national demographic challenges in the long term. Testicles are one of the reservoirs for the virus in the male body. This is indirectly confirmed by the sex hormone level alterations in COVID-19 survivors compared to healthy people. Oxidative stress associated with impaired fertility results from antioxidant and trace mineral deficiency. The role of trace minerals, zinc and selenium, in these processes together with possible approaches to adjustment of their levels in the context of COVID-19 pandemic are discussed in detail.

Patterns and Associations of Essential Trace Elements (Cu, Fe and Zn) in Saudi Adults with Varying Levels of Glycemia.

The homeostasis of trace elements were observed to contribute to certain diabetic outcomes. This cross-sectional study determined the differences and associations between serum levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in Saudi patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as those with prediabetes. Anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected from 119 patients with T2DM (aged 41–64 years), 95 non-T2DM (aged 27–55 years) and 80 with prediabetes (aged 35–57 years). Circulating trace minerals were determined using an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. Serum levels of Cu and Fe were significantly lower in T2DM than non-T2DM (adjusted p-values < 0.001). There was no difference in the Zn levels of the T2DM and non-T2DM groups. The serum Cu levels were significantly lower in the prediabetes group than the non-T2DM group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of Cu, Fe and Zn were inversely associated with circulating glucose in the T2DM and prediabetes subjects (p-values < 0.001). In conclusion, the differences in circulating trace elements were observed in Saudi subjects with varying glycemic statuses, suggesting an inverse association between T2DM progression and the decreasing serum Cu, Fe and Zn levels. Intervention trials are warranted to determine whether early correction of trace mineral deficiencies is beneficial in populations at higher risk for T2DM.

Malnutrition as the cause of recumbency in suckler cows associated with Trypanosoma theileri infection

BackgroundRecumbent cows are a diagnostic challenge because of a wide range of differential diagnoses, which include trauma, neurological and metabolic disorders, malnutrition and mineral deficiencies. This case report describes recumbent suckler cows that presented as a herd problem. In addition to weakness due to inanition, Cu and Se deficiencies were considered as possible aetiologies of the recumbency. Furthermore, Trypanosoma (T.) theileri, a blood parasite of unknown importance in Germany, was detected in the blood of some cows.Case presentationThree recumbent cows were referred to the Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Leipzig. They were unable to rise and had low body condition scores and rough hair coats. Haematological and serum biochemical analyses showed neutrophilia, electrolyte imbalances, increased activities of muscle and liver enzymes and decreased concentrations of trace elements, especially Copper (Cu) and Selenium (Se). T. theileri was detected in a routine blood smear from one cow. The cows did not respond to an intensive care protocol, which included intravenous fluids and electrolytes, mineral substitution, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, and were therefore euthanized or died. Postmortem examination showed cachexia, subcutaneous and scleral oedema and muscular dystrophy, especially in the hind limbs. Follow-up examination of the herd of origin produced similar findings including the detection of T. theileri in a large proportion of the herd. Ration analysis revealed considerable undersupply of several nutrients.ConclusionsBased on all findings, an aetiological diagnosis of trace mineral and nutrient deficiency with possible involvement of T. theileri was made.

The effect of bentonite feeding for young cattle on the exchange of nitrogen, mineral elements and the digestibility of diet nutrients

The completeness of animal nutrition rations in terms of the content of minerals is considered one of the conditions for balanced feeding, since their lack in the diet often leads to metabolic process disorder among animals, which reduces growth and development, productivity, disturbs reproductive ability, and develops endemic diseases. Currently, for the partial compensation of trace mineral deficiency in the diets of use mineral substances of natural origin. One of such sources is bentonite clay of the Zamankul deposit. Taking into account the significant increase of the economically useful traits among young cattle identified in our studies when feeding with bentonite, substantiated by physiological studies, we performed research to study the exchange of nitrogen, mineral elements and the digestibility of nutrients in the body of 9 - 18-month-old cattle of the Simmental breed for fattening at the farm “Kaloev”, stanitsa Zmeyskaya, North Ossetia-Alania. Studies have established the digestibility of nutrient increase in the feed ration from 1.8 to 3.5%, a significantly greater retention of nitrogenous substances in the body of animals fed with bentonite - by 8.2%, a significant improvement of mineral element use in the feed.

Impacts of Bovine Trace Mineral Supplementation on Maternal and Offspring Production and Health.

Simple SummaryThe objective of this review is to address the importance of trace minerals in maternal and offspring health and production. Several specific trace minerals are discussed in the review, but many trace minerals are lacking research in the area of health, more specifically, maternal trace mineral impacts on offspring health. Much of the research focuses on production and growth and there is limited information regarding the impacts of maternal trace mineral supplementation and offspring health. Selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese have been researched more readily than others, such as cobalt and iron, which have had minimal research conducted.Nutritional status can have major implications for animal health and production. Energy balance is easily determined using a body condition scoring system. This allows producers to readily adjust diets to meet an animal’s needs. Far less obvious is an animal’s trace mineral status, which is typically not assessed until an animal’s performance falls below expectation or illness is detected. Trace mineral toxicities and deficiencies can manifest as reduced thriftiness and/or poor reproductive performance, resulting in economic consequences for producers. Maternal mineral status not only impacts dam heath, but also the health of subsequent offspring. Both the oocyte and embryo are susceptible to changes in maternal mineral status. This susceptibility is maintained throughout fetal development via placental control of nutrient transfer to the fetal system. Furthermore, maternal mineral status continues to impact offspring health via colostrum and milk quality. Herein we discuss the roles of trace minerals in bovine reproductive performance, maternal health, colostrum and milk quality, and offspring health.

288 Forage mineral and nutrient element concentrations on sheep winter range

Abstract Supplementation strategies and nutritional management of ewes during critical production periods of breeding and gestation is an important consideration, particularly when ewes are on winter range. Clinical and subclinical trace mineral deficiencies at these times limit ewe productivity in these extensive environments. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify mineral element concentrations of common forages on winter range, and (2) evaluate producer supplementation strategies using a survey. We hypothesized that mineral element concentrations in winter forages were inadequate to meet ewe requirements during critical production stages and shrub species would contain higher levels of macro- and micro-mineral element concentrations than grass species. Forage samples were collected from 25 ranches across Wyoming winter range and were compiled by species and analyzed for nutrient and mineral element composition; however, data presented herein represents the first year of data collection (12 of 25 ranches). Nutrient and mineral element concentration results indicated an effect in CP, Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Na, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, and Mo concentrations between grass and shrub species (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Specifically, Mg and Mo concentrations were higher in grasses while the other mineral element concentrations were higher in shrubs. No effect was observed for Fe and Co concentrations between grass and shrub species (P = 0.37 and P = 0.29). Survey results revealed that 80% of ranches had more than 1000 sheep, and 47% of respondents utilized winter range for 131 to 170 day periods throughout production year. While on winter range the majority of producers (47%) supplement with a protein source. Additionally, 58% do not supplement white salt, while 47% supplement a complete trace mineral mix.

Possible Impact of Select Trace Mineral Deficiency in HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women with/without Malaria Co-infection in NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria

Aims: To evaluate the impact of HIV and malaria on serum Zinc (zn), Selenium (se) and Magnesium (mg) in HIV seropositive pregnant women in Nnewi, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: This is a case-control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Prevention of Mother to Child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, (NAUTH), Nigeria, between December, 2017 and April, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: We included 122 consented female participants; 32 HIV seropositive pregnant women with malaria parasitaemia, 30 HIV seropositive pregnant women without malaria parasitaemia, 30 Malaria infected pregnant women, 30 pregnant women without HIV or malaria parasitaemia, aged between 18 and 42 years. Screening for HIV antibodies and malaria parasite was double screened using National algorithm, rapid detection technique (RDT) and Giemsa staining microscopy technique respectively. Micronutrient levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).&#x0D; Results: When the mean zn, sel and mg levels were compared between the test and control groups, significant decreases in serum zn (37.34 ± 6.7, 36.70 ± 4.39), sel (29.93 ± 6.02, 28.00 ± 5.04) and mg (2.41 ± 0.46, 2.33 ± 0.14) were observed in HIV seropositive pregnant participants with/without malaria co-infection when compared with their corresponding controls Zn (45.1 ± 7.83, 50.36 ± 8.73); Sel (31.46 ± 6.19, 31.96 ± 6.81); Mg (2.62 ± 0.30) and (P &lt; .05 respectively). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly decreased while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were significantly increased in HIV seropositive pregnant women with malaria compared with their seronegative counterparts (P &lt; .05 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: The significant loss in BMI with derangement in serum zn, sel and mg levels in HIV seropositive pregnant women with/without malaria co-infection indicates high degree of malnutrition while the increased blood pressure suggests high blood pressure which might predispose the pregnant mothers to pre-eclampsia if not properly managed. Adequate micronutrient supplementation and effective anti malaria agent is strictly advocated in the routine management of HIV infected mothers during pregnancy to reduce the severity of the co-infection and adverse pregnancy complications especially in areas of malaria endemic transmissions.

Trace Mineral Intake and Deficiencies in Older Adults Living in the Community and Institutions: A Systematic Review.

The global population is ageing with many older adults suffering from age-related malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies. Adequate nutrient intake is vital to enable older adults to continue living independently and delay their institutionalisation, as well as to prevent deterioration of health status in those living in institutions. This systematic review investigated the insufficiency of trace minerals in older adults living independently and in institutions. We examined 28 studies following a cross-sectional or cohort design, including 7203 older adults (≥60) living independently in 13 Western countries and 2036 living in institutions in seven Western countries. The estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-off point method was used to calculate percentage insufficiency for eight trace minerals using extracted mean and standard deviation values. Zinc deficiency was observed in 31% of community-based women and 49% of men. This was higher for those in institutional care (50% and 66%, respectively). Selenium intakes were similarly compromised with deficiency in 49% women and 37% men in the community and 44% women and 27% men in institutions. We additionally found significant proportions of both populations showing insufficiency for iron, iodine and copper. This paper identifies consistent nutritional insufficiency for selenium, zinc, iodine and copper in older adults.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determination of hepatic copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc concentrations in relation to sample amount and storage duration.

Trace mineral status is a critical component of bovine health. Impairment of physiological processes, caused by trace mineral toxicities or deficiencies, can be potential underlying factors of disease. Historically, the status of critical trace minerals, such as copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc, has been evaluated through the analysis of hepatic tissue. We assessed variation of these 4 elements between homogenized liver and samples of 0.02 g, 0.1 g, 0.5 g, and 1.0 g. We also evaluated concentration differences in copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc among samples stored under different durations. No differences in concentrations of copper, manganese, selenium, or zinc were observed among samples stored frozen for 3, 7, and 14 d post-collection. Statistical differences in concentrations of selenium and zinc were observed between 0.02-g biopsy samples and larger samples. Moisture content differed between 0.02-g biopsies and larger samples and over time. Results indicate that as little as 0.02 g of hepatic tissue dried to ~0.006 g is reliable for interpretation of trace mineral status and determination of toxicities and deficiencies in cattle pertaining to copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc, despite the small differences observed.

Dietary Trace Minerals

Dietary trace minerals are pivotal and hold a key role in numerous metabolic processes. Trace mineral deficiencies (except for iodine, iron, and zinc) do not often develop spontaneously in adults on ordinary diets; infants are more vulnerable because their growth is rapid and intake varies. Trace mineral imbalances can result from hereditary disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis, Wilson disease), kidney dialysis, parenteral nutrition, restrictive diets prescribed for people with inborn errors of metabolism, or various popular diet plans. The Special Issue “Dietary Trace Minerals” comprised 13 peer-reviewed papers on the most recent evidence regarding the dietary intake of trace minerals, as well as their effect toward the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Original contributions and literature reviews further demonstrated the crucial and central part that dietary trace minerals play in human health and development. This editorial provides a brief and concise overview that addresses and summarizes the content of the Dietary Trace Minerals Special Issue.

2777 Nutritional Deficiencies in a Patient With Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US. Several types exist including vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), adjustable gastric banding (AGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). VSG and RYGB work through caloric restriction and neurohormonal changes. While there are many benefits of bariatric surgeries, there are also many complications including malabsorption of nutrients. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 41-year-old African-American female with prior RYGB in 2014 presented to the hospital with general malaise, crampy abdominal pain, back and joint pain, nausea, dyspnea, and intermittent headaches with photophobia and phonophobia for the past 1 month. Labs revealed moderate microcytic anemia with hemoglobin of 9. Reticulocytes were depressed at 13.8. Metabolic panel was within normal limits. Rheumatologic panel including ANA, C3/C4 was negative. On exam, pertinent findings included tachycardia and epigastric tenderness with deep palpation. She had multiple 1 cm hyperpigmented circular lesions on the forehead, upper back, and bilateral upper arms. This prompted testing for copper and zinc, which were decreased at 26 and 54, respectively. CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast showed a small pericardial effusion but was otherwise normal. MRI brain showed no changes to prior images. The patient was discharged on a multivitamin with zinc and copper to follow up with her PCP. DISCUSSION: Copper and zinc are essential nutrients for humans and act as cofactors for a variety of metalloenzymes that participate in critical body functions. Deficiency in these nutrients is rare in the US as it’s found in commonly consumed foods. Copper deficiency results in brittle hair, skin depigmentation, neurologic dysfunction, and osteoporosis. Zinc deficiency can result in pustular skin rash, impaired taste, and immune dysfunction 4Zinc and copper are usually not added to multivitamins and not routinely measured by physicians, however patients with modified GI physiology due to bariatric surgery can be at risk. RYGB reduces the stomach’s capacity and re-routes ingested food to bypass the duodenum, where copper and zinc are absorbed. Patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery and ill-defined symptoms should be tested for trace mineral deficiencies. Patients who recently underwent a gastric bypass, particularly a RYGB, should be placed on a multivitamin that includes zinc and copper.

73 Managing health during the receiving period

Abstract Cattle originating from the southeastern United States and received in stocker and feedlot facilities in the southern Great Plains are at increased risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and other health disorders because the marketing and relocation process may result in stress-induced immunosuppression, increased respiratory virus transmission, and poor nutritional status. Cattle health directly affects growth performance because stress and the inflammatory response to infection results in tissue catabolism and anorexia. Preconditioning practices at the ranch origin, such as vaccination, castration, weaning, and feed bunk and water tank exposure, can significantly improve health outcome during the receiving period; however, this practice is underutilized, resulting in high-risk, commingled calves entering subsequent production sectors. Antimicrobial metaphylaxis is one of the most effective management strategies to control an anticipated outbreak of BRD in newly received calves, yet antimicrobial use in food animals is under intense scrutiny. Antimicrobial alternatives such as direct-fed microbial products may provide health benefits but uncertainty regarding the route and timing of application, effective dose, and product selection will require further research to improve application. Nutritional stress resulting from reduced feed and water intake before, during, and after relocation and potential trace mineral deficiency upon arrival must be considered in a comprehensive health management program. Finally, detection of BRD or other diseases in large groups of cattle is challenging because of the prey instinct to disguise clinical signs of illness. Technology that continuously monitor individual cattle behavior may provide early disease detection with greater sensitivity and specificity than traditional methods but several barriers to adoption exist. This symposium presentation will outline the multitude of factors to consider in managing cattle health during the receiving period and provide research-based evidence that challenge paradigm regarding health management of newly received cattle.

A Combined In Vitro (Caco-2 Cell) and In Vivo (Gallus gallus) Assessment Reveals the Iron Benefits of Consuming the Fast Cooking Manteca Yellow Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (P10-114-19)

ObjectivesThe common dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally produced pulse crop and an important source of protein and micronutrients for millions of people across Latin America and Africa. In these regions, energy for cooking is expensive or scarce and long cooking times deter consumers from purchasing beans. In addition, many of the preferred black and red seed types have phytate and polyphenols that limit the absorption of trace minerals. Yellow beans are unique because their seed coats are rich in kaempferol 3-glucoside, a recently discovered promoter of iron absorption. Several market classes of yellow beans are sold throughout Latin America and Africa, where they are marketed at premium prices for their fast cooking tendencies. Exploring the yellow bean’s unique heritage to develop new fast cooking varieties that deliver more absorbable iron would be useful for regions where inhabitants have limited access to fuelwood for cooking. This study compared the iron bioavailability of three fast cooking yellow beans from Africa with contrasting seed coat colors (Manteca, Amarillo, Njano) to slower cooking white and red kidney commercial varieties from North America (Table 1). MethodsCooked beans were formulated into diets with the complementary food crops of potato, rice and cabbage. Iron bioavailability was measured as ferritin formation in an in vitro digestion Caco-2 bioassay and the ability to maintain total body iron hemoglobin (Hb-Fe) during a 6 week in vivo (Gallus gallus) feeding trial. ResultsAnimals fed yellow bean diets had faster growth rates, accumulated more dietary iron and had higher Hb-Fe than animals fed either kidney bean diet (Figure 1). In contrast to yellow beans, the kidney beans had almost no kaempferol 3-glucoside (Table 2). When compared to the other four bean based diets, the fast cooking Manteca yellow bean diet had the highest Caco-2 ferritin formation in vitro (Table 3) and delivered the largest increase in Hb-Fe in vivo (Figure 1). ConclusionsThrough the added benefit of fast preparation times and improved iron quality after cooking, this study provides evidence that the Manteca market class is worthy of germplasm enhancement as a new convenience food to help alleviate trace mineral deficiencies in regions where beans are widely accepted as a dietary staple. Funding SourcesUSDA-NIFA. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪▪

HEALTH SURVEY OF BOREAL CARIBOU (RANGIFER TARANDUS CARIBOU) IN NORTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA.

Boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are listed as threatened across Canada, and a basic understanding of their health status is lacking. From December 2012 to April 2013, we investigated multiple health indices for adult female boreal caribou (n=163) captured from seven herds in NE British Columbia, Canada. Health indices included physical characteristics, physiologic and trace mineral status, exposure to or infection with selected pathogens, and measures of chronic stress and inflammation, including serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and hair cortisol concentration. Key findings were exposure to the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in 14% of individuals, mild to severe hair loss associated with winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) infestations in 76% of caribou from December to early February and 81% from late February to early April, and evidence of trace mineral deficiencies with 99% and 34% of individuals deficient in copper and selenium, respectively. Seroprevalence for exposure to selected pathogens was: alphaherpesvirus (63%), pestivirus (1%), Besnoitia spp. (60%), and Neospora caninum (2%). All animals were seronegative to Brucella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis was not detected in any fecal samples. Parasite eggs or larvae, including Parelaphostrongylus andersoni (36%), Skrjabinema spp. (1%), Strongyle-type eggs (11%), Moniezia-type eggs (8%), and nematodirines (3%), were detected on fecal examination, but at low intensity. Blood biochemistry values and hair cortisol concentrations were within ranges previously reported in Rangifer tarandus sspp. Some significant differences among herds were noted, including antler morphology, exposure to Besnoitia spp., and concentrations of serum amyloid A, copper, cobalt, manganese, and iron.

Blood serum mineral element concentrations of weaned Montana ram lambs and their relationship with water quality characteristics

ABSTRACT Clinical and subclinical trace mineral deficiencies can limit productivity in western sheep production systems. The objective of this research was to determine the proportion of ranches that supplemented with trace minerals and to quantify serum trace mineral concentrations in ram lambs after weaning across Montana with particular emphasis on Se and Zn. Serum samples (n = 214) were collected from ram lambs 8 to 10 mo of age (52.8 ± 16 kg) at 21 ranches throughout Montana and analyzed for Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn. Ranches were classified as deficient, marginally deficient, adequate, or excessive by flock mean serum trace mineral concentrations. Additionally, water samples were analyzed for pertinent characteristics. The median and interquartile range of serum concentrations for each trace mineral across ranches were as follows: Co (0.41 ng/mL; 0.90 ng/mL), Cu (0.79 μg/mL; 0.24 μg/mL), Fe (153 μg/dL; 52 μg/dL), Mn (1.70 ng/mL; 0.80 ng/mL), Mo (15.3 ng/mL; 19.3 ng/mL), Se (115 ng/mL; 97.5 ng/mL), and Zn (0.70 μg/mL, 0.19 μg/mL). Of ranches surveyed, 67% provided a trace mineral supplement. Ranches that provided supplementary trace mineral had greater serum Se concentrations (P

Effects of Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Weight Gain and Hematological Parameters in Pre-weaning Calves.

Cow-calf operations may be affected by trace mineral deficiencies, particularly copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which may decrease the calf daily weight gain and alter hematological parameters. We evaluated the effect of Cu and Zn supplementation on pre-weaning calves (n = 40; 92 ± 6kg initial body weight) from the Salado River basin, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Calves were divided into four groups (n = 10 each) and subcutaneously administered 0.3mg/kg Cu (Cu group), 1mg/kg Zn (Zn group), Cu and Zn together (Cu + Zn group), and sterile saline solution (control group) every 40days for 120days. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, hematological parameters, and weight were recorded every 40days. A completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial treatment design was used and data were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures over time. Cu and Zn were detected in plasma after the second sampling. Cu × Zn interaction was significant (p = 0.09), being Cu concentration higher in the Cu + Zn than in the Cu group. Differences in weight gain (Zn × time interaction; p < 0.01) were observed in the Zn but not in the Cu group (p > 0.1). On the other hand, none of the treatments altered any of the hematological parameters assessed (p > 0.1). Our results show the risk of lower weight gain due to Zn deficiency in pre-weaning calves raised in the Salado River basin.