Mutual Realtions between Copper and Zinc in Blood Plasma in some Selected Categories of Cattle and Sheep

Šrejbrová P., Šoch M., Lukešová D.

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine mutual relations between copper and zinc in blood plasma of cows, heifers, ewes and lambs from operations in mountainous and submontane regions of the Šumava. Blood analysis showed that mean blood plasma concentrations of both micro-elements in cattle decreased over the monitoring period to the lower threshold of reference values (Cu to 12.08 ?mol.l-1 and Zn to 12.58 ?mol.l-1). In sheep, mean blood plasma zinc concentrations were at the lower limit of reference values or slightly above it (9.56 – 12.16 ?mol.l-1). Statistical relations showed that of the two elements, copper probably has the dominant position. In sheep, this may be due to the fact that they are generally more sensitive to higher copper intakes in feed rations than other farm animals. Low blood plasma concentrations of copper and zinc in the animals studied were probably caused by the undersupply of the two elements in feed rations due to their deficiency in the region monitored. Farmers were recommended to use suitable feed supplement products

Key words:
micro-elements, cooper, zinc, blood plasma, cattle, sheep, Šumava mountains

back >>


Full version of the article in the PDF file format - read here: