A pilot study of dietary lime supplementation and periodontal disease in ewes in Southland

Authors: Mackey RD, Orr MB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 39, Issue 3, pp 111-112, Sep 1991
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Minerals/elememts, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Growth/development, Oral/teeth, Disease/defect
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Periodontal disease (PD) is common in ewes in parts of Otago and Southland. A 1983-84 survey of four counties in the Dunedin area showed that 14% of ewes had PD and on 30% of the farms more than 20% ewes were affected. Periodontal disease is defined as a condition in which one or more of the central incisors show two or more of the following signs: long (>1.5 mm); positive incisor pad distance (incisors protruding in front of upper dental pad); loose (movement of >10° upon firm digital pressure). There is some evidence that calcium deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Cutress et al. showed that ewes from farms with PD had lower serum calcium levels than ewes from farms with no history of the disease and suggested that PD is a sign of a marginal nutritional deficiency affecting…

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