The goal of the present study was to evaluate some trace element concentrations and the activity of antioxidant systems in ill-thrift calves. A total number of (52) buffalo-calf was subjected to study. Out of them, (37) buffalo-calves had poor coat, poor general body condition score which constituted the ill-thrift group. The remained animals (15) were clinically healthy and kept as control group. Complete blood picture, trace elements profile, serum calcium, phosphorus & magnesium , blood urea nitrogen (BUN) , creatinine, some liver function parameters and total antioxidants capacity were evaluated. Results showed a significant reduction in the blood serum concentration of copper, cobalt, iron, selenium and zinc associated with normocytic normochromic anemia. Also a significant reduction in the activity of total antioxidants value was evident in ill-thrift calves. While levels of serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium , blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and liver function parameters showed non-significant changes. In conclusion, a state of sub-optimal growth (ill-thrift) in buffalo-calves was largely attributed to trace element deficiency, in particular copper, cobalt, iron, selenium and zinc deficiency that may cause reduction in the total antioxidant capacity, with a lower ability to reduce oxidative compounds.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.