Trace Elements Flashcards
What are the trace elements?
Cobalt; Selenium/Vit E; Copper; Iodine
What is the difference between primary and secondary TE deficiency?
Primary – soil or plant deficiency – usually a whole herd affected
Secondary – Lack of absorption by the animal – more individual and usually Cu
Explain what each trace elements does…
Cobalt – Essential component of Vit B12 which is involved in the propionate to glucose pathway. Thus glucose shortage is the result.
Selenium/Vit E – Protects cells against free radicals and infection
Copper – Essential component of many enzymes
Iodine – Essential in the synthesis of thyroid hormone
What is the outcome of cobalt deficiency?
Glucose shortage
In which animals is cobalt deficiency most commonly seen in?
Sheep, particularly weaned lambs.
Outline the clinical signs associated with cobalt deficiency…
Poor thrift (weaned lambs) Concurrent parasitism Concurrent undernutrition Eye discharges Anaemia (if severe)
Outline the clinical signs associated with selenium/vit E deficiency…
White muscle disease in 2-6 week old lambs Poor growth rates Embryonic death Increased disease susceptibility Reduced milk production Increase in retained foetal membranes
What are the clinical signs associated with copper deficiency?
Poor thrift Diarrhoea Poor coat colour Swayback Bone fragility
Give the clinical sign of iodine deficiency in the newborn
Goitre
Give the subclinical sign of iodine deficiency in the newborn
Increased perinatal mortality
In which animals is cobalt deficiency associated with poor growth?
Weaned lambs
In which animals is copper deficiency associated with poor growth?
Cattle
Outline the options available for trace element supplementation
Oral dosing
In-feed
Slow release rumen capsule
Addition to fertiliser
Which trace elements are toxic in overdose?
Copper
Selenium
How do you test for TE deficiencies?
Biopsy: If TE is stored in the body (Copper & Cobalt)
Blood: If TE is not stored in the body (Selenium/Vit E & Copper)
