Abstract

PECHIN, GH; CORBELLINI, CN; CSEH, SB  and  STRITZLER, NP. Effect of subclinical zinc deficiency in lambs on biochemical parameters, tissue zinc concentration and zinc balance. InVet [online]. 2018, vol.20, n.2, pp.243-254. ISSN 1668-3498.

The objective of this trial was to study the effect of subclinical Zn deficiency in lambs on plasma levels of Zn and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tissue Zn concentration and Zn balance. Ten lambs were randomly assigned to two groups: basal (B; 10 ppm of Zn) and supplemented with 30 ppm of Zn (Z). The trial lasted for 20 weeks. Blood samples were collected every 4 weeks by jugular venipuncture. In weeks 6 and 20, Zn balance was evaluated. At the end of the trial, samples of muscle, liver, pancreas, testis, kidney, lung, bone and wool were collected for Zn determination. Plasma Zn levels were significantly higher in the Z group (0.68 mg/ml) than in the B group (0.40 mg/ml), but ALP plasma levels did not differ between groups. In the first balance period, the percentage Zn retention in group B was higher (46.91 vs 26.07 %) but the amount retained was lower (1.66 vs 3.72 mg/day). The second balance period showed similar results. Bone Zn concentration was higher in Z group (P < 0.01), with a similar tendency in liver (P < 0.10). The rest of the parameters did not differ between treatments.

Keywords : Zinc deficiency; Lambs.

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