Biochemical Alterations in Zinc Deficient Sheep Associated by Hyperlactatemia

Blood samples from diseased and clinically healthy Balady sheep of both sexes were collected and subjected for biochemical analysis of serum glucose, fructosamine, lactate, growth hormone, insulin, creatine phosphokinase, Lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase. The obtained results revealed a significant decrease in serum zinc and growth hormone were stated. In contrary, serum glucose and lactate, insulin, CPK, LDH and aldolase were significantly increased statically. While, fructosamine levels were non-significantly increased. From these results can conclude that, in zinc deficient sheep the carbohydrate metabolism is directed toward the anaerobic one accompanied by hyperlactemia which induce muscle cramp and damages leading to increased CPK, LDH and aldolase which appear clinically as enlargement of knee joint, lameness and staggering gait. In addition, growth retardation and wool loss are the main clinical signs of reduction in growth hormone.