Ovine white-liver disease (OWLD). Trace elements in liver

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Nutrition
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Ovine white-liver disease (OWLD) is a significant health issue in lambs.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency is implicated in the development of OWLD.
• Trace element status is crucial for ovine health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the liver trace element profiles in lambs with OWLD.
• To assess the impact of cobalt/vitamin B12 supplementation on trace elements in OWLD-affected and healthy lambs.
• To evaluate the effects of copper and multi-element supplementation on liver trace elements.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of liver trace elements (Cobalt, Copper, Molybdenum, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium) in different lamb groups.
• Administration of vitamin B12, cobalt, copper oxide needles, and multi-element glass boluses.
• Comparison of trace element levels between OWLD lambs, supplemented lambs, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• OWLD lambs exhibited significantly lower liver copper and molybdenum compared to healthy controls.
• Cobalt/vitamin B12 supplementation increased liver cobalt and molybdenum levels.
• Copper supplementation in OWLD lambs led to high/toxic liver copper levels.
• Multi-element boluses generally resulted in adequate liver copper, with one instance of toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Liver copper and molybdenum deficiencies are associated with ovine white-liver disease.
• Cobalt and vitamin B12 supplementation can improve critical trace element levels in lambs.
• Careful consideration of supplementation strategies is necessary to avoid trace element toxicity.