Trace elements in feedstuffs and blood plasma of ruminants in Djibouti

Abstract

The level of trace elements was measured in 17 samples of various feedstuffs as well as in 310 blood samples of domestic animals (116 goats, 83 sheep, 52 camels and 59 cattle) from 38 different locations. Zinc deficiency was currently found throughout the country except in cattle (97.9 µg/ml) (71.5 µg/ml in goats, 65.9 in sheep and 46.2 in camels). Primary copper deficiency was severe in camels grazing in mangrove (Obock Coast) whereas swayback (neonatal ataxia), due to secondary copper deficiency (linked to molybdenum and sulphur in excess) was observed near lake Abbe. The mineral composition of Salvadora persica was particularly poor in copper, zinc and manganese, but rich in molybdenum, selenium and sulphur. Avícennia marina from mangrove was very poor in copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium and rich in iodine and cobalt. Ten natural geographical areas were studied in order to determine the mineral status of the herds and potential deficiency to toxicity of major feedstuffs in these 10 biotopes.