THE EFFECT OF ZINC AND COPPER DEFICIENCY ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANTS LEVELS IN THE SHEEP.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of Zinc (Zn) andcopper (Cu) concentration, as well as the clinical signs that may be occur due to theZinc and copper deficiency, in addition to the effect the two trace elements levels onthe hematological levels, oxidative stress Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidantlevels glutathione and Catalase (CAT). This study carried out in Basra province, thestudy conducted on (75) sheep (male and female). About 60 sheep clinically havefrom zinc and copper deficiency (hypozincemia) and 15 clinically apparently healthyserved as a control group. The clinical signs occur due to the tow trace elementsdeficiency include: loss of appetite, depression, pica, repeatedly bites off the wool ofother sheep, loss of the wool, loss of hair around the eyes, ear and nose, alopecia,parakeratosis, stiff in gait and some animals suffering from diarrhea, pale of themucous membrane, decrease the rumenal contraction, and significant (P<0.05)increase the heart and respiratory rate with normal body temperature. Also the resultsshow significant increase (P<0.05) of MDA concentration, in addition to significantdecrease (P<0.05) in glutathione and CAT levels due to significant decrease (P<0.05)in both Zn and Cu concentration levels, this point the Zn and Cu play important rolein prevent damage occur due to the oxidative stress via decrease the free radicals, alsoit has role in antioxidant synthesis.