Abstract of research

CLINICAL, HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN GOATS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY- INDUCED COPPER DEFICIENCY WITH TRIALS OF TREATMENT

Heba M. El-khaiat a,*, Abd El-Raof, Y.M.a, Ghanem, M.M.a, El-Attar, H.M.a and Hala A. Abou- Zeinab, Soad M. Nasrb

Abstract

For assessment of the changes associated with induced copper deficiency in goats, mature castrated male Baladi goats (n=16) aged 1-1.5 years old and weighted 15-20 kg randomized into 2 groups: Group I (n=6) were apparently healthy (control) and Group II (n=10) were subjected to experimental induction of secondary copper deficiency by dietary supplementation of molybdenum (MO; 10-40 mg/kg dry matter) and Sulpher (S; 1.5-3 g/kg dry matter) daily for 24 weeks. Blood samples (serum and whole blood) were collected every 6 weeks (w) for determination of serum copper, iron and zinc levels, ceruloplasmin activity and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Results showed that hypocuperimic goats had changes in hair color and texture (at the 9th w), paleness of the conjunctival mucous membrane (at the 18th w), emaciation and loss of body condition (at the 24th w). Hypocupermic goats showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight gain, RBCS count, haemoglobin concentration, serum copper, iron and zinc levels and reduced activity of ceruloplasmin and erythrocyte SOD (at the 6th week). As well as, there was a significant depression in hair copper content at the 12th week of the experiment. The abovementioned haemato-biochemical changes were successfully restored after treatment with oral copper sulphate for 4 week. These findings highlight the role of copper in maintaining the integrity of integumentary system, blood components, antioxidant activity, and animal growth. In addition, presence of more than 5mg Mo and 1g S /kg/dry mater intake should be avoided to overcome the occurrence of cupper deficiency.