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

Abstract

Pica is defined as a depraved or abnormal appetite characterized by licking and eating non-nutritive substances. The aim of this study was to report changes in the serum mineral levels and haematobiochemical parameters of buffalo calves with pica. The study included 30 buffalo calves exhibiting pica behaviour, such as licking stall walls or eating wool and non-food items (pica group), and 6 buffalo calves without the signs of pica behaviour (control group). The age of both groups ranged between 1 and 6 months. In the pica group, the haematological analysis revealed a decrease in red blood cells (P < 0.001) and red cell distribution width (P < 0.05) as well as an increase in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P < 0.001), whereas the biochemical parameters were characterized by an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) levels and a decrease in creatinine and glucose (P < 0.01) levels. Furthermore, the pica group showed a significant decrease in serum manganese, iron, zinc, selenium (P < 0.001) and copper (P < 0.01) concentrations. In conclusion, it was determined that deficiencies in the levels of serum iron, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium play an important role in the aetiology of pica in buffalo calves.

Hematobiochemical and Mineral Study of Pica in Dromedary Camels in Al-Najaf Desert –Iraq

“…The findings of the biochemical analysis conducted in this study revealed a statistically significant elevation in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Consequently, the elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, which facilitate the breakdown of muscle protein during the mobilization of significant bodily reserves, aligns with the conclusions of other researchers [6,13].…”

“…Pica can potentially arise due to a deficiency in specific amino acids or proteins [13].The results of the statistical analysis indicated that pica camels exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP in comparison to healthy camels. Hence, it is possible that the activity, production, or elimination of these three hepatic enzymes may be altered.…”