CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVALUATION ON NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY IN SHEEP IN EL-MINIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

This study aimed to detect changes in haemato-biochemical constituents, selected minerals, vitamin A, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in sheep that showed signs of nutritional deficiency and identify the associated risk factors. Our study involved 150 sheep of various ages and sexes (lambs under 1 year old and adults of both sexes male and female aged 2 ± 0.5 years old) at Abo-korkas center in El-Minia governorate, Egypt. All sheep underwent clinical and laboratory examinations. The animals were divided into two groups: a diseased group of 90 sheep exhibiting signs such as alopecia, easily detached wool, and pica, and a control group of 60 healthy sheep. Blood, soil, and water samples were collected from August 2022 to September 2023. Results of different age and sex groups indicated significant reductions in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), zinc (Zn2+), copper (Cu2+), calcium (Ca2+), vitamin A, TAC, and total protein content in the blood of diseased group compared to control. Soil analysis showed decreased Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ca2+ concentrations, along with a high concentration of Fe²⁺, while water samples revealed low levels of Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Ca2+.The findings suggest a significant relationship between nutritional deficiency in sheep and alterations in haemato-biochemical constituents, mineral status, vitamin A, and total antioxidant capacity, influenced by factors such as sex, age, health status, and mineral content in soil and water.