Authors : Shen Xiao Yun, Jia Zhi-Hai and Song De Rong
Abstract: The mineral composition of soil and forages and samples of blood, hair and liver from Guizhou black goats in affected ranches were compared with those of samples from unaffected areas. Researchers have found that concentrations of Copper (Cu) in forage samples from affected areas and unaffected areas are similar and within the normal. The mean concentration of S in soil and forage were significantly higher (p<0.01) in affected than in unaffected areas. The Cu contents of blood, hair and liver from affected Guizhou black goats were significantly less than those in controls (p<0.01). Affected animals showed anemia and a low value of Ceruloplasmin (Cp). The content of S in blood, hair and liver from affected animals was significantly higher than that in unaffected animals. Eighteen Guizhou black goats grazing affected pastures and consuming an average of 32 mg of Cu day-1 for at least 50 days via a free-choice, salt-based trace mineral supplement. Average liver Cu concentration for 18 Guizhou black goats was 26.8±6.6 μg g-1. Ten Guizhou black goats with the lowest content of liver Cu were transported to Bijie District Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary and were assigned to one of two Cu repletion treatments consisting of supplements providing 35 mg day-1 of either inorganic (Cu sulfate; n = 5) or organic (Availa-Cu; n = 5) Cu. Treatments were delivered for 80 days. Liver Cu increased over time in all affected animals regardless of treatment however, black goats supplemented with Availa-Cu tended to have higher mean liver Cu concentrations than those receiving copper sulfate. In all treated animals, some signs of recovery were evident in 10-20 days after one or two treatments and appetite and vigor improved.
Shen Xiao Yun, Jia Zhi-Hai and Song De Rong, 2012. Studies of Anemia Ailment in Guizhou Black Goats in South West China Karst Mountain Area. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 2000-2005.