The relationship between serum zinc, copper and vitamin A concentration and the severity of lesions in sarcoptic mange of goat

Abstract EN

The present study evaluated the serum levels of zinc, copper and vitamin A in caprine sarcoptic mange.

Fifteen goats were purposively selected in the field and assigned into 3 groups (A, B and C) of 5 goats each, based on the severity of the mange skin lesions.

Another 2 groups (D and E) of 5 goats each were used as the contact (exposure) infested and the uninfested control groups, respectively.

Serum zinc and copper levels were assayed by atomic absorption spectroscopy while serum vitamin A level was determined by calorimetric method.

Data generated were analyzed using one way analysis of variance.

Serum zinc, copper and vitamin A concentration decreased with increased severity of lesions in infested goats in which the naturally infested goats (groups A, B, C) had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower serum levels of zinc, copper and vitamin A compared to the contact (exposure) infested goats (D) and uninfested control (E).

Results of this study suggests a possible role of zinc, copper and vitamin A in the pathogenesis of sarcoptic mange, as the deficiency of these elements in the serum may lead to an increase in susceptibility to infestation with mange parasite.