Influence of experimentally induced secondary copper deficiency on the serum levels of selenium, thyroid hormone and glutathione peroxidase in Ossimi sheep

Abstract EN

The influence of experimental copper deficiency on selenium, thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) and glutathione peroxidase enzyme was investigated in sheep.

Fifteen Ossimi sheep were divided into two groups, the first one (N=5) as control fed on balanced ration and the second group (N=10) was subjected to experimental induction of Cu deficiency by feeding on diet containing molybdenum and sulfur for 24 weeks.

Serum samples were collected every 3 weeks for evaluation of Cu, Se, T3 T4 and GSH-Px.

The experimental Cu deficient sheep showed crimpless wool with de-pigmentation, decreased food intake, reduction in weight gain, pale mucous membrane, stiffness in gait and incoordination at 9th, 12th, 15th and 24th week, respectively.

There was significant decrease in the level of Cu, Se, T4 and GSH-Px from the 3rd, 9th, 15th and 18th week while there was no significant change in T3 level.

Significant positive correlations between Cu and Se (r = 0.85,P < 0.01), T4 ( r = 0.95, P < 0.01) and GSH-Px (r = 0.79, P < 0.05) were detected in Cu deficient sheep as well as significant positive correlations between Se with T4 (r = 0.89 , P < 0.01) and GSH-Px (r = 0.73, P < 0.05) were found and significant positive correlations between GSH-Px with T3 ( r = 0.63, P < 0.05) and T4 (r =0.83, P < 0.01).

Therefore, it was concluded that induced Cu deficiency was related to marked changes in Se, thyroid (T4) and GSH-Px in sheep.