Trace elements deficiencies

Question 1

primary

Answer 1

soil/plant deficiency

Co, Se, I, Cu

Question 2

secondary

Answer 2

lack of absorption by the animal

Cu - binds to Mo, S, Fe in rumen

Question 3

Cobalt (Co)

Answer 3

essential component of B12
B12 - part of glucose production
sheep most susceptible to deficiency
rumen microbes incorporate Co into vitamin B12

Question 4

Co - clinical signs

Answer 4

poor thrift
eye discharge
anaemia if severe

Question 5

selenium (Se)/vitamin E

Answer 5

protect cells against free radicals

maintain resistance to infection

Question 6

selenium (Se)/vitamin E - clinical signs

Answer 6

white muscle disease
poor thrift
embryonic death

Question 7

Copper (Cu)

Answer 7

myelin formation
iron release into plasma in erythropoiesis
elastin + collagen synthesis
pigmentation

Question 8

Copper (Cu) - clinical signs

Answer 8

poor thrift
diarrhoea
poor coat colour
swayback (lambs with Cu-def ewes)
bone fragility

Question 9

Iodine

Answer 9

synthesis of thyroid hormone

Question 10

iodine - clinical signs

Answer 10

clinical - goitre in new-born

sub-clinical - increased peri-natal mortality

Question 11

how to fix

Answer 11

test bloods/liver of animals to test for deficiency

supplement - monitor effectiveness