Trace Elements Status and Antioxidants Profile in Ill-thrift Buffalo Calves

Abstract

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.

Clinical, Haematological, Biochemical Alterations, and Potential Risk Factors Associated with Ill-Thrift in Goats Raised at Smallholder Farms in Egypt

“…The pronounced decrease in Cu, Se, and Fe serum levels observed in the emaciated group in this study aligns with Ahmed et al's [55] findings indicating a deficiency in these trace elements can hinder goat growth. In the present study, Zn and Co showed insignificant changes in their levels in the emaciated group despite the established association between Zn and Co with the occurrence of ill-thrift in calves [8,11]. These findings do not rule out the possibility of these minerals playing a role in causing ill-thrift in goats.…”

“…This study suggested that Fe deficiency may contribute to ill-thrift in goats. The significant decrease in serum Cu levels observed in both emaciated and thin groups in this study aligns with Ismaeel et al's finding of a significant decrease in serum Cu levels of ill-thrift calves compared to the control ones [11]. Borghese [50] and Sadiek et al [51] similarly noted Cu deficiency impacting growth of buffalo and buffalo calves.…”

“…Ill-thrift can also lower the reproductive efficiency of small ruminants, offering severe and serious challenges to the livestock industry [9]. The animal's development rate is regulated by a complicated system of genetic and non-genetic components [10,11]. Non-genetic factors that can impact growth rates include management practices, environmental factors, including temperature, and proper nutrition [12].…”

“…Furthermore, animal ill-thrift has been associated with several diseases [13], including intestinal parasites [14], prenatal infections [15], and enteric and respiratory diseases [9]. A lack of essential trace elements is also an additional contributor to ill-thrift in animals [11,16]. The probability of ill-thrift in sheep is increased by many variables, including the sex of the offspring [17], type of birth, either single, or multiple [9], and the presence of ectoparasites [16] have been identified to increase the likelihood of ill-thrift in sheep.…”

Health Risk Assessment and Seasonal Trend of Metals in Arid-Soil-Forage Crops and Animals

“…So, Pb is accumulated in roots in higher concentrations and less shoot of forages Sharma and Dubey (2005). This concentration of Co in blood was found in accordance with the results given by Ismael et al (2015). The cobalt (Co) level in hair of ruminants was greater as compared to observations given by Hejna et al (2018).…”