Zinc Deficiency

It is essential for all animal and play significant role in metabolic activity, numerous enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid metabolism, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. It is found in all body tissues which are rich in protein. Higher concentration is in skin hair, wool, and in internal organs like pancreas. It is required for mobilization of vitamin A from liver. Concentration of Zn is high in forages found in soil of high pH level.

Early Effects of Zinc:

• Reduced feed intake 

• Skin disorder

• Infection of nose and mouth

• Stiffness of joint

• Soft edematous swelling of feet in front of fetlocks

• Many of these symptoms are because of problem in protein synthesis and metabolic processes. Severe Zinc deficiency in cattle and buffalo, reduces feed intake, causes loss of hair and lesions are more severe on neck, head, legs, around nostrils. There is also excessive salivation.

Treatment:

2 g ZnSO4 orally in large animals.

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