Correlation Between Serum Retinol and Zinc Concentrations and Effect of Seasons on These Parameters in Angora Goats

Authors: MAHMUT ZÜHTÜ ÇEVİK, ARİF ALTINTAŞ

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relations of the serum zinc and the Vitamin A, \beta-carotene concentrations depend on physiological conditions and seasonal effects in Angora Goats raised in Lalahan Livestock Research Institute. Healthy, 2-years old Angora Goats (n = 26) were used in this study. The blood samples were collected four times through the year to cover the whole seasons. Vitamin A, \beta-carotene and zinc concentrations of serum samples were measured. The highest serum b-carotene concentrations (6.63 ± 0.76 \mug/dl) were found in samples taken in the summer and the lowest concentrations (1.17 ± 0.36 \mug/dl) were found in the samples of the winter. However, the highest serum retinol concentrations (27.05 ± 2.50 \mug/dl ) were found in spring samples, the lowest concentrations of the retinol (13.44 ± 1.09 \mug/dl) were found in the samples of the winter. Finally, the highest serum zinc concentrations (89.08 ± 1.06 \mug/dl) were seen in winter and the lowest concentrations of the zinc(63.75 ± 3.59 \mug/dl) were found in spring samples. The correlation between serum retinol and zinc concentrations were found to be positive in winter and negative in other seasons although statistically were not important. It could be concluded that serum retinol, b-carotene and zinc concentrations may change in accordance with the season and therefore the diets of the animals should be supplemented with Vit A in winter and with zinc in spring.

Keywords: Angora Goat, Vitamin A, Retinol, \beta-carotene, Zinc, Seasonal effect, Buck

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