Evaluation of the effect of mineral deficiency in sheep and goat abortion

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the important role of mineral elements in the reproductive
activities of ruminants, it can be important to study the status of abortion due to mineral
deficiency in this group of animals. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship
between possible mineral deficiency and the incidence of abortion in small ruminants.
Materials & Methods: Serum samples of Se, Cu, Fe, and Mg taken from 24 herds (1379 ewes
and 734 goats pregnant) in four regions of Ilam province were provided from May to October.
The present study was conducted in a completely randomized design. The means were
compared using Duncan's multi-domain method at a significance level of 5%.
Results: The prevalence of abortion in ewes and pregnant goats was 22.43% and 14.03%,
respectively. Serum selenium concentrations in aborted ewes in two regions were 94.61 11
11.43 and 82.04 38 6.38 μg/dl, respectively, which was significant compared to the control
group (P≤0.05). Serum concentrations of selenium and copper Aborted goats also showed a
significant decrease (P≤0.05) in some areas.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, small ruminants in Ilam province seem
to suffer from a lack of minerals in the blood. This situation can challenge the future of the
livestock industry in this region in terms of reproductive and economic problems.