Evaluation of factors affecting the physiological levels of copper and iron in sheep and cattle in some areas of Diyala Governorate, Iraq.

BACKGROUND

Trace minerals are important components of many physiological functions, including growth, development, and the immune response.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate copper and iron status in sheep and cattle in some areas of Diyala governorate, Iraq.

METHODS

One hundred blood samples were collected, 50 from sheep and 50 from cattle in order to measure the levels of copper and iron in the serum.

RESULTS

In sheep, the serum level of copper significantly increased among females compared to males, while among cattle, the serum level of copper significantly decreased in females compared with males. The level of iron showed a significant increase in females compared with males. Serum levels of copper were increased with the age of more than 1 year accordingly compared with sheep at the first year of life or less than a year. Among cattle, age plays no significant role in the level of copper. The levels of copper and iron were significantly increased among pregnant ewes compared with non-pregnant. The levels of copper were significantly increased in lambing compared with pregnant and non-pregnant ewes in the value of copper. The level of iron was significantly decreased in lambing sheep compared with pregnant and non-pregnant sheep. The levels of copper and iron showed no significant changes between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Sheep from Abu Saida showed significant increase in serum levels of copper and iron compared with those from Baqubah and Saadia cities. Cows with good body scores have a significant increase in serum levels of copper and iron compared with those with medium and poor body scores. There was no linear correlation between iron and copper levels in serum and the studied parameters for cows and sheep.

CONCLUSION

The levels of copper and iron in the body of sheep and cattle are affected by age, gender, pregnancy, and soil composition.