2nd Annual Conference - June 2003

COBALT DEFICIENCY IN A POPULATION OF SARDINIAN MOUFLON (OVIS AMMON MUSIMON) IN THE NATIONAL PARK ‘DE HOGE VELUWE’, THE NETHERLANDS

J.T. Lumeij, M. Pieterse, D. Houwers, K. Peterson, M. Eysker, P. Vellema, B.G. Kessels, T.S.G.A.M. van den Ingh, J. Oosterbaan
Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Universiteit Utrecht. Gezondheidsdienst voor Dieren, Deventer

In a regulated population of Sardinian mouflon (Ovis ammon musimon) introduced in a national park in the Netherlands, it was noticed that the eviscerated body weights had declined by 20% in comparison with previous years. The clinical picture was suggestive for cobalt deficiency as seen in domestic sheep. In the summer of 2002, 10 mouflons were examined for gastrointestinal helminths and the cobalt, copper and selenium levels were determined. The results confirmed that the cobalt status was deficient, while the copper status was marginal. The selenium status was considered good. The higher than expected degree of parasitism with Haemonchus contortus in relation to the cobalt deficiency will be discussed.

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