Effects of different dietary manganese sources on thickness of mucus layer and selected biochemical and haematological indicators in sheep

Abstract

The effects of manganese from organic and inorganic sources supplemented to diets of sheep on intestinal mucus production and on selected biochemical and haematological indicators were investigated. The experiment was carried out on 18 sheep of the Improved Valachian breed aged seven months over the period of four months. The animals were divided into three groups of six animals each (group 1 – control, basal diet with 31 mg Mn/kg, group 2 – basal diet + manganese sulphate (MnSO) with 120 mg Mn/kg, group 3 – basal diet + manganese chelate of glycine hydrate (Mn-Gly) with 4 120 mg Mn/kg). Intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum) were collected and mucus production was assessed using the quantification method. Mucus production in the duodenum and jejunum was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group 3 (Mn-Gly) compared to the control and group 2 (MnSO). In the duodenum in group 2 (MnSO) mucus production was similar to the control. Biochemical 4 indicators were determined using 4 spectrophotometry, and haematological indicators were measured using a haematology analyzer. Significant changes (P < 0.05) were found for the concentrations of total proteins and albumins. The concentration of total proteins was lower in group 3 (Mn-Gly) compared to the control and group 2 (MnSO). In the latter group it was higher compared to the control. The concentration of albumins was higher 4 in group 3 (Mn-Gly) compared to the control and group 2 (P < 0.05). The results indicate a decrease of intestinal mucus in the group supplemented by Mn-Gly chelate, which may mean a lower mucus barrier for manganese absorption.