Effect of ingestion of soil on the iodine, copper, cobalt (vitamin B12) and selenium status of grazing sheep

Authors: Grace ND
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 54, Issue 1, pp 44-47, Feb 2006
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Cobalt/vitamin B12, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Thyroid, Liver/hepatic disease, Nutrition/metabolism, Pasture/crop, Selenium, Soil/sand, Vitamins
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIM: To determine the impact of ingestion of soil on the iodine (I), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co; vitamin B12) status of young sheep.
METHODS: Twenty young sheep were divided into two groups; one group was fed lucerne pellets, while the other group was fed lucerne pellets plus 100 g soil, for 63 days. At the end of the study the animals were blood-sampled, slaughtered, and the liver removed, and concentrations of I, Cu, vitamin B12 and Se were determined.
RESULTS: The ingestion of soil significantly increased concentrations of I and vitamin B12 in serum, but had no effect on concentrations of Cu and Se in serum/blood and liver, and vitamin B12 in liver.
CONCLUSION: Ingested soil can be a significant source of I and Co (vitamin B12) for grazing sheep.
KEY WORDS: Sheep, soil ingestion, iodine, copper, vitamin B12, selenium, serum, liver

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