Effect of Sheep's Different Nutritional Conditions on Microelements (Cu, Zn, Co) in Their Blood Serum

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the levels of copper, zinc, and cobalt minerals in the blood serum of sheep under different nutritional conditions. The study was conducted on 1-2-year-old, healthy Norduz sheep raised at the Agricultural Research and Implementation Center of Van Yuzuncu Yil University. A total of 30 sheep made up three equal groups: a control group (group C; n=10) and two experimental groups (groups 1 and 2; n=10 in each group). Randomly selected animals from all the groups were grazed on low-quality pastures during a 4-week experiment. Each animal in group C was supplied with a total of 900 g day(-1) of feed containing 850 g day(-1) of mixed grass-clover and 50 g day(-1) of barley. Each animal in groups 1 and 2 was supplied with 850 g day(-1) of mixed grass-clover and weekly increasing quantities of barley during the experiment as follows: 915 g day(-1) in the first week, and 945 g day(-1), 960 g day(-1), 980 g day(-1), in the second, third and fourth weeks, respectively. Animals in the second group were additionally fed with 500 g day(-1) of feed concentrate per head throughout the 4-week experimental period, unlike the other groups. This study determined that - in addition to pasture grazing - feeding with mixed grass-clover hay, extra barley and concentrates should be provided to ensure adequate Cu levels. Moreover, it was also found that pasture grazing could be sufficient for Zn intake, in contrast to Co levels, which fall below normal limits even if the quality of a diet is improved.