Study of some minerals deficiency in grazing sheep in Thi-Qar province.

Abstract

This study was carried out on 250 locally sheep collected from four sides of Thi-Qar Governorate. The clinical, hematological, trace elements changes in naturally occurring minerals deficiency in sheep were described. Anemia & Pale mucous membranes, Alopecia &steely wool, Diarrhea, parakeratosis, pica and abortion constituted the main signs and symptoms. The respiratory and heart rates were significantly higher (p<0.05) in mineral deficient sheep than in normal control sheep in one side of province. Values of total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower (p<0.05) in mineral deficient sheep than in normal control sheep. Significant differences were not found in total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count values in sick and normal control sheep. Copper, Zinc and Iron values in the serum were significantly lower (p<0.05) in mineral deficient than in normal control sheep. The erythrocytes morphology appeared a abnormal shapes and size, this refer to Macrocytic hypochromic anemia and Normocytic hypochromic anemia, It was concluded that a significant changes were noticed between diseased and control sheep in clinical hematological values and trace elements and abnormal erythrocytes morphology, deficiency of a single element seldom occurs under field condition in Thi-Qar Governorate.