Salmonellosis in ram hoggets following prophylactic zinc dosing

Authors: Bruere AN, West DM, Allworth MB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 10, pp 171, Oct 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Mycotoxicosis, Liver/hepatic disease, Fungal/yeast, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Infectious disease, Trace elements, Minerals/elememts, Zoonosis, Public health
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: There has been considerable use in recent times of zinc oxide as an oral drench to prevent the occurrence of facial eczema in New Zealand. The recommendations for dosagd and administration of zinc salts have been outlined in AgLink FPP 496. For sheep the recommended dose of zinc oxide is 300 mg/kg daily but for prophylaxis it is suggested that a week`s accumulated dose (i.e. 210 mg/kg) may be given as a single dose and that this is almost as effective as daily dosing and certainly more practical. The toxic nature of zinc salts is emphasised in the literature. Zinc toxicit studies have concentrated on the effect of daily dosing and toxicity has resulted in changes in rumen metabolism, inappetance, lethargy, diarrhoea and death. Single doses of the more toxic salt, zinc sulphate (48 mg Zn/kg), have led to pancreatic damage in seven out of eight sheep dosed, and a single dose of zinc oxide (480 mg Zn/kg, i.e. 600 mg of ZnO/kg) resulted in pancreatic damage in one out of eight sheep. In the autumn of 1985 it was recommended to farmers (at least in the Manawatu District) that a two weeks` accumulated dose of zinc oxide could be given as a single dose…

---