A Case of Concurrent Molybdenosis, Secondary Copper, Cobalt and Selenium Deficiency in a Small Sheep Herd in Northern Germany

Abstract

To the author’s knowledge this paper describes the first proven report of a combined primary molybdenosis, secondary copper (Cu) deficiency, Ovine White Liver Disease—Cobalt (Co) deficiency, and selenium (Se) deficiency in a small pedigree herd of White Horned Heath sheep in Germany (8 ewes, 2 rams, 3 yearling ewes, 17 lambs) for decades. Clinical signs associated with these mineral deficiencies in a group of pastured ram lambs included emaciation, conjunctivitis, anaemia, growth retardation, discolouration of the wool and photodermatitis. Morbidities and mortalities arose in 4–6-month-old lambs despite intensive veterinary treatment in the summer of 2014 and 2015 (n = 13, 23% died). Se (3/5), Cu (4/7), and Co (3/3) deficiencies in combination with elevated values for Molybdenum (Mo, 2/2) were found. Hamburg is a large industrial city and an input of heavy metals from surrounding industries and coal-fired power stations in combination with a sandy, non-fertilised soil and monoculture grass species might offer a potential explanation for the severity of mineral deficiencies observed in this herd.

Effects of essential mineral elements deficiency and supplementation on serum mineral elements concentration and biochemical parameters in grazing Mongolian sheep

“…The Co deficiency in ruminants suppresses the synthesis of vitamin B 12 in the rumen, thus reducing the diversity of rumen microbes ( 17 ). Severe Co deficiency leads to liver fat metabolism disorders and muscle lesions in sheep and goats ( 18 , 19 ). Mn plays a vital role in antioxidants, immunity, and the growth and reproduction of animals ( 20 ).…”

Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings

“…Calcium phosphorus ratio should be 2:1. Ketosis and trace element deficiency especially for cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese should also be treated, and therefore, mineral blocks should be provided all over the year and not on special occasions ( Constable et al ., 2017 ; Asín et al ., 2021 ; Helmer et al ., 2021 ).…”

Ruminant Trace Minerals Deficiency and the Potential Link Between the Source and Rumen Interaction. A Review

“…One of the most widely spread TM deficiency is with Cu [17]. In a study assessing Cu deficiency in grazing sheep [18], it was found that serum and liver Cu content were not in the normal physiological range (7-24 µmol/L and 10-120 mg/kg fresh matter for serum and liver Cu concentration, respectively [19]), even though the Cu content of the grazed herbage (8.61 and 9.26 mg/kg DM for two analyzed pastures) was within the range to cover nutritional requirements for sheep (5-10 mg/kg DM) [5]. The low Cu absorption was mostly due to the high Mo content (>11 mg/kg DM) of the grass [15,18].…”

“…In a study assessing Cu deficiency in grazing sheep [18], it was found that serum and liver Cu content were not in the normal physiological range (7-24 µmol/L and 10-120 mg/kg fresh matter for serum and liver Cu concentration, respectively [19]), even though the Cu content of the grazed herbage (8.61 and 9.26 mg/kg DM for two analyzed pastures) was within the range to cover nutritional requirements for sheep (5-10 mg/kg DM) [5]. The low Cu absorption was mostly due to the high Mo content (>11 mg/kg DM) of the grass [15,18]. In a study assessing Cu deficiencies in grazing beef cattle herds [20], it was reported that approximately 39% (of a total of 2,007) of the reproduction cows and heifers, and 36% (of a total of 256) of the herds were marginally deficient.…”