An Investigation of the Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) Levels of Blood Serum and the Cu and Zn Levels of Wool of Akkaraman Ewes in the Diyarbakır Region

Authors: DOĞAN KURT, ORHAN DENLİ, ZEKİ KANAY, CİHAT GÜZEL, KADER CEYLAN

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the copper, zinc and selenium levels of blood serum and the Cu and Zn levels of wool of healthy Akkaraman ewes grazed in the meadows in the Diyarbakır region. A total of 60 units of blood and wool samples from various villages in different counties of Diyarbakır (Bismil, Çınar, Ergani, Silvan, Kocaköy and some Diyarbakır villages) were studied. The Cu, Zn and Se levels of sera and the Cu and Zn levels of wool were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. We found significant differences in Cu and Se levels of sera, in Cu levels of wool (p<0.01) and in Zn levels of wool (p<0.05) in ewes from various counties, whereas no significant differences were observed in Zn levels of sera (p>0.05). Although there were considerable differences from county to county, the avarage values of these counties and herds that indicated the lowest values in respect to Cu and Zn contents were found to be either simillar to or just over the normal values. However, in the case of the selenium content, the average serum Se level of the Akkaraman ewes from various counties of Diyarbakır, except the central county, was found to be remarkably lower than the normal values. In the light of these findings, the rations of animals grazing in meadows are recommended to be reinforced with Se content.

Keywords: Akkaraman ewes, Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Serum, Wool

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