Investigation of Serum Trace Element Levels in Sheep in Diyarbakır Province and Districts

Background: In this study, the serum of sheep raised on pasture in the province and districts of Diyarbakır was tested for concentrations of the essential trace elements Cr, Cu, Se, Zn, Co, Mn, ultra-trace elements like Ni, V and Ag and non-essential toxic trace elements like Al, Pb, As, Cd and Ti.
Methods: The animals used in the study consisted of 313 healthy sheep at the end of lactation obtained from different districts of Diyarbakır. The closed system method of wet decomposition was used to transfer serum trace elements to the soluble phase in blood samples. Serum trace elements were analyzed using an ICP-MS device. Result: This study contributed to obtaining normal levels of Al, Ag, Ni, Ti and V trace elements in ewes at the end of lactation. It was observed that there was no difference between all districts in terms of serum Al, Ni, Cu and Zn trace element levels. In the study, differences were found in the serum Cr, Se, As and Cd trace element levels of sheep between the districts; however, it was determined that no significant deficiency or excess occurred and these levels were within normal limits. The Co and Mn levels we obtained in Diyarbakýr are much lower than the average levels reported by the researchers. We can say that the addition of Co and Mn trace elements in appropriate proportions to the rations of animals can positively affect animal health and productivity.
