Effect of mineral deficiencies on the red blood cell parameters in cattle

Abstract

Mineral deficiencies are a common problem in dairy herds around the world. Currently, they most often occur in a subclinical form or with atypical symptoms, which makes their diagnosis difficult. New methods and possibilities of identifying mineral deficiencies are being sought. Hematological changes may occur in the early stages of the development of deficiency diseases, and their detection may be helpful in the early diagnosis of diseases. The aim of the article is to present the most important information on disorders in the red blood cell system in the course of mineral deficiencies in dairy cattle. Hematological tests should become one of the most important elements facilitating the determination of the health condition of cows and enabling the correct diagnosis and therapy of cattle diseases. Copper, iron, magnesium and phosphorus deficiencies cause changes in hematological parameters. In iron and copper deficiency, there are microcytic, hypochromatic or normocytic, normochromic anemia. On the other hand, in the deficiency of magnesium and phosphorus, there is normocytic, normochromic anemia.