The influence of high dietary protein, energy and mineral intake on deficient young camel (Camelus dromedarius)--II. Changes in mineral status.
1. Mangrove Avicennia marina is poor in some trace elements such as copper, zinc and manganese. In a trial we used 32 young camels divided into four groups. 2. Groups 1 and 3 were supplemented with copper and zinc in drinking water after 1 month of mangrove feeding. 3. Groups 2 and 3 received concentrate rich in protein and energy. The supplementation was stopped after 2 months. 4. All the camels were deficient in trace elements at the beginning of mineral supplementation. 5. The plasma concentration of copper increased significantly up to normal levels (less than 70 micrograms/100 ml) in energy protein supplemented groups, but the quantity supplied (100 mg of copper sulphate/day) was not sufficient to maintain this level after the end of supplementation. 6. The original zinc deficiency was too severe to observe a significant effect of the mineral supplementation. 7. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels were improved during the supplementation period in protein-energy supplemented groups. 8. A high interaction between mineral absorption and quality of the diet was observed. A well-balanced diet seems essential to avoid deficient mineral status.
Laboratoire d'Ecopathologie, Inra Theix, Saint Genès Champanelle, France.
B
B
Faye
G
G
Saint-Martin
R
R
Cherrier
A
A
Ruffa
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002162:Camelus / Q000378:metabolism*; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004435:Eating; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D010758:Phosphorus; D003300:Copper; D008274:Magnesium; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium