Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region

Authors : Alper Başa, Kadri Kulualp, Pelin Fatoş Polat Dinçer

Pages : 130-136

Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1779791

View : 98 | Download : 140

Publication Date : 2025-12-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to determine the serum copper and zinc levels in healthy and footrot-affected sheep in the Şanlıurfa region and investigate the relationship between these parameters and the presence of the disease. Footrot is an infectious foot disease that develops in the interdigital region of the foot and affects the skin and corium ungulae. It is characterized by necrosis, inflammation, and contagious properties. The study material consisted of 10 Akkaraman and 10 Awassi sheep clinically diagnosed with footrot (footrot group), as well as an equal number of clinically healthy animals from the same breeds, which served as the control group. Serum copper and zinc levels were measured and recorded from blood samples collected from all sheep. When the data were analyzed independently of breed, serum copper and zinc levels were significantly lower in the footrot group compared to the control group (P 0.05). When all variables were evaluated, serum copper and zinc levels in footrot-affected Awassi and Akkaraman sheep were significantly lower than in healthy individuals (P<0.001). These results indicate a significant relationship between footrot and deficiencies in serum zinc and copper levels. Regardless of disease status, trace element levels did not significantly differ between breeds. Overall, serum copper and zinc levels were markedly lower in footrot-affected Awassi and Akkaraman sheep in the Şanlıurfa region.
Keywords : Akkaraman, Awassi, Copper, Foot rot, Sheep, Zinc

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