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Pathological and biochemical studies on experimental hypothyroidism in growing lambs
S M Sokkar1, A H Soror, Y F Ahmed
1Department of Pathology and National Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. sorory@hotmail.com
Summary
Iodine deficiency in lambs causes hypothyroidism, leading to poor growth, reduced wool, and impaired sexual maturity. This study details the severe clinical and pathological effects observed in affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Endocrinology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, crucial for growth and metabolism.
- Hypothyroidism can result from iodine deficiency, impacting various physiological processes.
- Understanding the effects of iodine deficiency is vital for livestock health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally induce and characterize secondary iodine deficiency in growing male lambs.
- To evaluate the clinical, hematological, and histopathological consequences of iodine deficiency.
- To elucidate the impact of iodine deficiency on growth, wool production, and sexual maturity.
Main Methods:
- Growing male lambs were administered Thiourea (50 mg/kg bodyweight daily) for 3.5 months to induce iodine deficiency.
- Clinical examinations, body weight measurements, and hematological analyses were performed.
- Post-mortem histopathological examinations of the thyroid, testes, liver, kidney, and epidermis were conducted.
Main Results:
- Lambs exhibited weakness, emaciation, anemia, reduced body weight, edema, and alopecia.
- Significant decreases in erythrocyte, leucocyte counts, triiodothyronine, and testosterone levels were observed.
- Histopathology revealed thyroid hyperplasia, underdeveloped testes, hepatic degeneration, renal lipidosis, and hyperkeratosis.
Conclusions:
- Experimentally induced iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism in growing male lambs.
- Hypothyroidism significantly retards growth, reduces wool production, and interferes with sexual maturity.
- The study highlights the critical role of iodine in maintaining overall health and productivity in lambs.
