Hematobiochemical profiles, mineral concentrations and oxidative stress indicators in beef cattle with pica

Abstract

Pica, or "depraved appetite", is defined as ingestion of non-nutritive substances. Many factors influencing pica in animals have been identified , but the etiology is controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate haematological and biochemical parameters, trace element concentrations, the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in beef cattle with and without pica. Ten beef cattle with pica (group I) and another ten healthy beef cattle (Group II) were used in the study. Serum TAS and TOS were measured by a colorimetric method. In group I, haemoglobin value and serum iron, copper and selenium concentrations were significantly lower than those of group II (p < .05). Cortisol level and the other biochemical parameters were not statistically different between the groups (p > .05). Compared to the healthy controls mean TAS values were significantly decreased in the group I (p < .05), whereas the TOS and OSI values did not differ statistically between the two groups (p > .05). Parasitological analysis revealed that Trichostrongylidae spp eggs were more common in group I. In conclusion, serum iron, copper and selenium deficiency with decreased antioxidant capacity may cause the symptoms of pica in beef cattle. Prophylactic use of trace mineral supplement containing iron, copper, selenium and antioxidants in beef cattle may be beneficial in preventing deviated appetite and in strengthening the antioxidant defence system. Highlights:Pica or is defined as the ingestion of non-nutritive substances As a result of this several disorders may occur such as reticuloperitonitis traumatica, poisonings, toxications or digestive system obstructions. Serum iron, copper and selenium deficiency with decreased antioxidant capacity may cause the symptoms of pica disorders in beef cattle. ARTICLE HISTORY

Serum Mineral Levels and Haematobiochemical Parameters in Buffalo Calves with Allotriophagy (Pica Syndrome)

“…Some studies (4,10,20) found an increase in the serum CRE concentration, whereas others reported reduced levels of CRE (3,9,25). An increase in LDH levels has also been reported (1,9,25). The changes in serum AST, ALT, LDH and GLU levels in the present study are consistent with the findings of the other studies (3,4,9,10,20,25).…”

“…An increase in LDH levels has also been reported (1,9,25). The changes in serum AST, ALT, LDH and GLU levels in the present study are consistent with the findings of the other studies (3,4,9,10,20,25). The decreased CRE level was consistent with the findings of some of the abovementioned studies (3,9,25), but inconsistent with the findings of some others (4,10,20).…”

“…Previous studies ( ALT and decreased levels of GLU in animals with pica. Some studies (4,10,20) found an increase in the serum CRE concentration, whereas others reported reduced levels of CRE (3,9,25). An increase in LDH levels has also been reported (1,9,25).…”

“…In horses with pica, Aytekin et al ( 3) reported a decrease in haemoglobin levels, and Li et al (20) reported a decrease in erythrocyte and haemoglobin levels and an increase in MCV levels without statistical significance. In studies on sheep and lambs exhibiting wool-eating behaviour, significantly lower haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were found in sick animals (9,13,25). Onmaz et al (25) reported a decrease in erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit values in cattle with pica, further noting that the decrease in the amount of haemoglobin was statistically significant.…”

“…In studies on sheep and lambs exhibiting wool-eating behaviour, significantly lower haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were found in sick animals (9,13,25). Onmaz et al (25) reported a decrease in erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit values in cattle with pica, further noting that the decrease in the amount of haemoglobin was statistically significant. Mosa et al (22) found significant reductions in the level of erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit in cattle with pica.…”