Clinical and Hematological Profiles due to Cases of Minerals Deficiency in Local Ewes at Basra, Iraq

Normal development and cellular maintenance of living organisms need mineral as the essential nutritional element. Evaluation the status of the trace minerals is profitable for determining the potential sources of livestock problems. This present study was conducted in the Basra Province during January to August 2017, in which 478 sheep were examined for signs of mineral deficiency and/or poor body condition score. Blood samples were taken to estimate serum biochemistry parameters minerals such as copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and cobalt. Complete blood count parameters were included in this study. Results reveal that 153 (32%) sheep exhibited signs of mineral deficiency such asalopecia (47%), parakeratosis (19%), diarrhea (14%), pale mucous membrane (88%), lachrymation (9%) and ataxia (8%). There were no marked changes in body temperature between affected sheep and control, while the means of respiratory and pulse rate were significantly elevated in affected sheep. A significant decrease in body condition score and hair coat condition score were recorded. The study also showed that RBC, hemoglobin and pack cell volume was markedly low in the affected sheep than control, while WBC shows no significant changes. RBC indices of the affected sheep such as MCV, MCH and MCHC were not significantly different.The study also revealed that there was decreased (p>0.05) in mean values of copper, zinc, cobalt, magnesium, and calcium of the tested ewes as compared with the control animals. In conclusion, a considerable correlation between the lower mineral levels in the blood of ewes and the general health status leading to reduce the production and subsequently economic losses was established.