TY - JOUR
T1 - Studies of Sulfur-Induced Copper Deficiency in the Bactrian Camel
AU - Li, Wang Xiao AU - Hai, Wu Jia
JO - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
VL - 13
IS - 8
SP - 514
EP - 518
PY - 2014
DA - 2001/08/19
SN - 1680-5593
DO - javaa.2014.514.518
UR - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2014.514.518
KW - Bactrian camels
KW -deficiency
KW -emaciation
KW -dyskinesia
KW -anemia
AB - Bactrian camels in Haizi, Gansu China are affected by an ailment
characterized by pica, emaciation, dyskinesia, deprived appetites and anemia.
Researchers found that concentrations of Cu in soil and forage from affected
areas and unaffected areas were similar and within the normal ranges but the
concentrations of S in soil and forage were significantly higher (p<0.01)
in affected than in unaffected areas. Concentrations of Cu in blood, hair and
liver from the affected camels were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those
in unaffected camels. Fifty affected Bactrian camels grazed on affected pastures
consumed an average of 136 mg of Cu/day for 60 days by a free-choice, salt-based
trace mineral supplement. Average liver Cu concentration was 37.9±5.5
μg g-1 at the end of the study. On the 62nd day, ten Bactrian
camels were removed from the affected pastures and allocated to one of two treatments
for 80 days, consisting of supplement providing 125 mg day-1 of either
Cu sulfate or Availa-Cu. Liver Cu increased over time in all camels regardless
of treatment, however, camels supplemented with Availa-Cu have higher mean liver
Cu contents than those receiving Cu sulfate (163.6±13.5 and 228.9±26.7
μg g-1 for Cu sulfate and Availa-Cu, respectively) at the end
of the study. Mean Cu content in the liver of Bactrian camels received Availa-Cu
was significantly higher than that in supplemented camels with Cu sulfate. Thus,
it is reasonable to conclude that ailments of Bactrian camels in the Haizi area
are caused by a secondary Cu deficiency mainly due to high sulfur content in
soil and forage.
ER -