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Biochemical changes induced by hypomagnesaemia in lactating cows and ewes
M A McCoy1, P B Young, H W J Edgar
1Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, Stormont, Belfast.
The Veterinary Record
|March 14, 2002
Summary
Severe hypomagnesaemia (low magnesium) in cows and sheep altered blood cell counts and iron levels. This study investigated the effects of magnesium deficiency on these vital physiological parameters in livestock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypomagnesaemia, a condition of low blood magnesium, can occur in livestock.
- Magnesium is crucial for numerous physiological processes in animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematological and biochemical changes associated with induced hypomagnesaemia in lactating cows and sheep.
- To determine if iron accumulation in organs or lipid peroxidation occurs during hypomagnesaemia.
Main Methods:
- Lactating cows and sheep were fed magnesium-deficient diets to induce hypomagnesaemia.
- Hematological parameters (leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, platelets) and tissue iron concentrations were analyzed.
- Lipid peroxidation markers were assessed in heart tissue.
Main Results:
- Hypomagnesaemia in cows showed significant changes in leucocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet counts.
- Increased iron concentration was observed in the liver of hypomagnesaemic ewes and the heart of hypomagnesaemic cows.
- Reduced levels of certain peroxidisable fatty acids were noted in the heart tissue of cows, but without significant lipid peroxidation.
Conclusions:
- Induced hypomagnesaemia significantly impacts hematological profiles and iron distribution in lactating ruminants.
- The observed iron accumulation is not linked to a hemolytic process.
- While fatty acid profiles change, significant lipid peroxidation is not a direct consequence of short-term hypomagnesaemia in this study.