CLINICAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE SHEEP IN NEW VALLEY GOVERNORATE

Abstract

Sheep production is being encouraged in Egypt as a mean of improving the daily dietary protein intake for humans. Nutritional disorders are considered one of the serious distresses that influence the animal production. The current study aimed to investigate mineral deficiency in sheep and its effect on health status at different New Valley governorate cities. Clinical examination of the sheep was performed. Blood, water and soil samples were collected from different localities. Hematological parameters, serum total protein, albumin, globulin concentrations, kidney function tests and the activity of liver enzymes were estimated. Moreover, the values of some elements in soil and water were determined. Clinical examination showed various symptoms as weight reduction, lameness and eye and skin lesions. The biochemical results exhibited significant reduction of hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular Hb, red blood cell count, hematocrit, lymphocytes, neutrophils, median cells and mean corpuscular Hb concentration. On the same hand, serum calcium, phosphorus (P3+), magnesium (Mg2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe2+) and zinc (Zn2+) levels were reduced. Albumin concentration and albumin/globulin ratio were also diminished. There was also significant reduction of serum liver enzymes activity in Paris village. Analyzing of soil reveled decline in concentration of Mg2+ in all studied areas and Cu2+ and Zn2+ in Paris only. However, high values of P3+ and Fe2+ in all localities. Water samples analysis showed low concentrations of Cu2+, Zn2+ and manganese level. The present study confirmed that mineral deficiencies have great negative impacts on the healthy status of sheep in New Valley governorate.