Clinical effects of zinc deficiency in Iraqi camels

Clinical signs and parameters in comparison with Zn levels have been studied in Iraqi camels in Al-Najaf slaughter house. Among 1562 examined camels 40 camels from different ages and both sex with skin lesion (dry scaly) as a deficient and other 40 camel apparently healthy as control. Affected animals showing sign of parakeratosis 90%, alopecia with 52.5%, pal mucus membrane 30%, emaciation 22.5%, diarrhea 7.5%, abnormal hoof formation 5% and excessive lacremation 5%. No significant differences has been detected in body temperature, whereas respiratory and heart rate significantly increased at (p 0.05) when compared with control. Serum zinc analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers, the result revealed normal Zn value in Iraqi camel was (62.9±3.5mg/dl) but results of diseased camel revealed significant decrease in serum zinc (32.4±2.1mg/dl).