The Use of Blood Analysis to Evaluate Trace Mineral Status in Ruminant Livestock

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Metabolism and Function

Cobalt functions as an essential component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). In ruminant animals the rumen microflora synthesize cobalamin from inorganic sources of cobalt, and thus the vitamin B12 requirements are met from rumen synthesis.5 Any cobalamin synthesis by the enteric microflora of nonruminant animals occurs distal to the stomach and ileum, organs essential to cobalamin absorption. Thus, nonruminants require dietary cobalt only as a component of preformed vitamin B12 and do not have a

Function

Copper is an essential trace element in livestock and has 2 major functions. It can be a structural component in macromolecules acting as a coordination center. It is also a component of several enzymes in which it serves a catalytic function. These enzymes include cytochrome oxidase, which plays a role in production of adenosine triphosphate; superoxide dismutase, which plays a role in immune defense and inactivation of toxic oxygen radicals; tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin

Function

The primary role of iodine is the synthesis of hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland hormones actively regulate energy metabolism, thermoregulation, reproduction, growth and development, circulation, and muscle function.

Deficiency

Soils in many parts of the world, including much of North America, are iodine deficient. Deficiency signs vary depending on the animal species and the severity of the deficiency. Calves may be born hairless, weak, or dead. Fetal death can occur at any stage of gestation.

Function

Iron is an essential nutrient that is required in a wide variety of metabolic processes and is found in all body cells. The largest portion is found as a necessary component of the protein molecules hemoglobin and myoglobin. As an essential component of these proteins it is involved in the electron transport chain and oxygen transport. Iron is essential for normal cellular function of all cell types and is found in plasma (transferrin), milk (lactoferrin), and liver (ferritin and hemosiderin).36

Function

Manganese is involved in a broad array of enzyme systems in the body and affects a wide variety of biochemical processes including carbohydrate, fat, and protein use. It is also involved in proper bone development and maintenance. Manganese is required by glycosyltransferases, which are involved in the synthesis of the glycocoaminoglycans and glycoproteins of bone and cartilage matrix.42 Through its role in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, manganese plays an important role in free-radical

Function

Early nutritional interest in molybdenum was centered on its antagonistic effect on copper availability in ruminants. An essential role for molybdenum came from the discovery that the flavoprotein enzyme, xanthine oxidase, contains molybdenum and that its activity depends on the metal.52 Molybdenum is required for nitrogen fixation and for the reduction of nitrate to nitrite in bacteria.53

Deficiency

Although molybdenum is probably essential for all higher animals, the requirements are low and clear signs

Metabolism and Function

Some of the exact physiologic functions of selenium are still not clear, but much has been elucidated since the discovery of selenium as an integral part of cellular GPx.58 Although the biologic significance of selenium was initially recognized through its toxicity to livestock, selenium deficiency is a more widespread practical problem. In mammals, selenium is an essential component of at least 12 enzymes: 4 GPxs that use glutathione to break down hydroperoxides; 3 iodothyronine 5′-deiodinases

Metabolism and Function

Zinc is the most abundant intracellular trace element and second only to iron in overall abundance in the body. Zinc is a component of several enzymes and serves catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions within the body. Zinc is important in cell division and interpretation of the genetic code but its functions go beyond that. Zinc seems to be particularly important in regulation of appetite, growth, and immune function. The physiologic functions of zinc seem to be protected in a

Choice of Sample

The best choice of sample (tissue, blood, or other fluid) for analysis varies with the mineral under investigation and the purpose of the testing. Blood, urine, and saliva have the advantage of accessibility by simple, minimally invasive procedures. Liver is a valuable sample for copper, iron, and cobalt evaluation, but veterinarians are often reluctant to take liver biopsies. Some of this reluctance may stem from the need for large samples of liver tissue that were required by older analytical

Summary

A variety of samples can be tested for mineral content, but may not provide any indication of the overall mineral status of the animal. It is therefore important to involve groups of animals in the diagnostic process. This evaluation should include a through clinical history, ration and supplementation history, and evaluation of several animals for mineral status.

Animal responses are a useful means of evaluating and assessing nutritional status. Blood trace mineral concentrations represent

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    The authors have nothing to disclose.

    The authors acknowledge the thoughtful suggestions and input from J.O. Hall and N. F. Suttle.

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