A disparate trace element metabolism in zebu (Bos indicus) and crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) cattle in response to a copper-deficient diet1

Abstract

Copper deficiency is a commonly diagnosed problem in cattle around the globe. In Jimma, Ethiopia, 8 zebu (Bos indicus) and 8 zebu × Holstein Friesian cross (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) heifers were used in an 11-wk study to investigate breed type differences and effects of Cu deficiency on concentrations of trace elements in plasma and edible tissues as well as mRNA expression of Cu-related genes. Heifers were fed a grass diet (6.4 ± 0.2 [SEM] mg Cu/kg DM) supplemented with 1 mg Mo/kg DM in wk 1 to 4 and 2 mg Mo/ kg DM in wk 5 to 11, with blood samples collected every 2 wk and tissue collection postmortem. Plasma, liver, kidney, and semitendinosus and cardiac muscle were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Mo, Co, and Mn. Expression of mRNA Cu-related genes was measured in aorta (lysyl oxidase [LOX] ) as well as the Se-related glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1). Zebu cattle maintained initial plasma Cu concentrations just below the threshold value for deficiency, whereas crossbred cattle gradually became severely Cu deficient over time (P < 0.001). In contrast, plasma Zn and Co were greater in zebu cattle at the onset of the trial but became similar to crossbred cattle towards the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Liver Cu (P = 0.002) and Fe (P 0.001), kidney Se (P < 0.001), and kidney and cardiac muscle Co (P 0.001) concentrations were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. Increased hepatic mRNA expression of the Cu regulatory genes Atp7b, Ctr1 (P = 0.02), CCS (P = 0.03), and Cox17 (P = 0.009) and Cu-related Sod1 (P = 0.001) as well as the Se-related Gpx1 (P 0.001) were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. However, duodenal mRNA expression of DAO (P = 0.8) and Mt1a (P = 0.2) and aortic expression of LOX (P = 0.8) were not different. Both the differences in Cu status indices (plasma and liver concentrations) and hepatic mRNA expression of Cu regulatory genes point to the possibility of a more efficient use of dietary Cu in B. indicus as compared to B. taurus × B. indicus cattle resulting in greater sensitivity to Cu deficiency in B. taurus crossbred cattle. initial plasma Cu concentrations just below the threshold value for deficiency, whereas crossbred cattle gradually became severely Cu deficient over time (P < 0.001). In contrast, plasma Zn and Co were greater in zebu cattle at the onset of the trial but became similar to crossbred cattle towards the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Liver Cu (P = 0.002) and Fe (P ≤ 0.001), kidney Se (P < 0.001), and kidney and cardiac muscle Co (P ≤ 0.001) concentrations were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. Increased hepatic mRNA expression of the Cu regulatory genes Atp7b, Ctr1 (P = 0.02), CCS (P = 0.03), and Cox17 (P = 0.009) and Cu-related Sod1 (P = 0.001) as well as the Se-related Gpx1 (P ≤ 0.001) were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. However, duodenal mRNA expression of DAO (P = 0.8) and Mt1a (P = 0.2) and aortic expression of LOX (P = 0.8) were not different. Both the differences in Cu status indices (plasma and liver concentrations) and hepatic mRNA ...

Trace element nutrition in the tropical zebu cattle type. Lessons from the Gilgel Gibe catchment, Ethiopia

“…The trace element supply for zebu-influenced cattle in the Gilgel Gibe catchment, Ethiopia, was imbalanced (Dermauw et al, 2013b(Dermauw et al, , 2014b, based on the comparison of dietary trace element levels with reported requirements for cattle. However, the applicability of these reported Bos taurus requirements for zebu cattle was not investigated yet.…”

“…More research is needed to fully unravel the extent of the impact of these factors, particularly in zebu cattle. Moreover, the potential difference in trace element metabolism between different types (Bos indicus vs. Bos indicus x Bos taurus) of cattle (Dermauw et al, 2014b) requires extra attention, as it might have a large impact on the optimal nutritional management of these animals.…”

“…Throughout an eleven week trial (Dermauw et al, 2014b), zebu and zebu x Holstein Friesian cross heifers (n = 16) were fed a Cu deficient grass-diet supplemented with the Cu antagonist molybdenum (Mo) and plasma and tissue trace element concentrations were monitored.…”

Effect of nutrition on reproductive efficiency of dairy animals

“…It also increases the structural strength of connective tissues and blood vessels, and strength of horns and hooves. Deficiencies of Cu have been associated with retained placenta, embryonic death and decreased conception rates and anoestrus (8). Copper deficiency is also associated with depressed oestrus, silent heats and reduced conception rate (21).…”

Trace mineral supplementation in feedlot cattle: implications for the inflammatory response, growth, and carcass characteristics

“…The response of erythrocyte CCS protein expression is interesting, as collection of a blood sample is much easier than liver collection, and ease of sample collection is a hallmark of a good biomarker. Interestingly, in both Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus steers fed low Cu diets (6.4 mg Cu and 1 mg Mo/ kg diet DM) for 11 wk with an average final liver Cu of approximately 25 mg/kg diet DM, there was a positive correlation found between liver Cu and liver CCS mRNA expression (r = 0.58; Dermauw et al, 2014). Generally, CCS is increased during Cu deficiency, likely due to the increased need for CCS to scavenge Cu if there is a larger quantity available (Bertinato et al, 2003).…”