Effects of Copper Sulphate Administration to Pregnant Sheep on Some Mineral Levels in Blood Sera of Sheep and Lambs, and Birth Weight of Lambs

Authors : İbrahim ÇİMTAY

Pages : 921-927

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, copper sulphate was administered during the last period of pregnancy to sheep in the Şanlıurfa region in which enzootic ataxia was encountered in the past. The objectives of this study were to search the effect of copper sulphate administration on some mineral levels insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(copper, zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium); in blood serum of pregnant sheep and their lambs, and birth weight of lambs. This study was performed on 35 pregnant sheep insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(control group: 15, experimental group: 20);. In the experimental group, copper sulphate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2% solution); was administered orally at sixth and fourth weeks before birth at 2 and 1 g dosages, respectively. Blood samples of sheep were collected before copper administration, 4 times after copper administration and after birth. Furthermore, birth weights of lambs were determined just after birth and blood samples were collected after feeding colostrum. Copper administration caused significant increase on serum copper levels, but insignificant effects on serum zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium values in sheep and lambs. In addition, copper sulphate administration caused little increase on birth weights of lambs. Enzootic ataxia did not occur in both group of lambs, but mean serum copper values insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(59.66 ± 2.35 µg/dl); in the control group were about 50 µg/dl which is considered as critical level for enzootic ataxia.
Keywords : Blood serum, copper sulphate, minerals, sheep, lamb