The supply of wild ruminants with major and trace elements. 2. The manganese content of winter grazing and the manganese status of red deer, fallow deer, roes and mouflons

The winter grazing of wild ruminants on mantles of slate waste in the Harz mountains and in Gera county were richest in Mn whereas those on mantles of granite waste in the Erzgebirge were poorest. The flora of the shell-limestone, keuper and loess areas contains much less Mn than that of those acid habitats. The Mn-requirement of the wild ruminants grazing in the forests is met however, since bilberry plants (2,080 mg/kg), spruce twigs (984 mg/kg), spruce bark (827 mg/kg), oak twigs (791 mg/kg) and heather (754 mg/kg dry matter) in addition to many other plant species store extremely high amounts of Mn. Solely sallow twigs were poor in Mn (28 mg/kg). Based on 601 samples examined, the Mn supply of wild ruminants is extensively described. The rumen content reflected the plentiful Mn-supply of the wild ruminants living in forests (greater than 400 mg/kg) and the far worse one of field roes, particularly in Mn-deficiency areas for domesticated ruminants (mantle of shell-limestone waste 37 mg Mn/kg dry matter of rumen content). The indicator organs of the Mn-status (liver, covering hair, kidneys) verify the statements made concerning red deer, fallow deer and mouflons, of which a total of 170 head from 14 biotopes were examined. An Mn-deficit of field roes in Mn-deficiency habitats in winter cannot completely be excluded. Mouflons have not yet been able to adapt themselves to the excessive Mn-supply of the acid forest habitats in Central Europe. They stored significantly higher amounts of Mn in liver, covering hair, kidneys, cerebrum and ribs than the other wild ruminants and sheep and cattle. The normal Mn-content of the liver and the cerebrum of red deer, fallow deer and roes corresponds to that of sheep and cattle. Roes and fallow deer have winter covering hair poor in Mn (less than 4.0 mg/kg) in comparison to sheep and cattle.     

The supply of wild ruminants with major and trace elements. 1. The cadmium content of winter grazing and the cadmium status of red deer, fallow deer, roes and moulons

The Cd-determination of 10 different winter grazings for wild ruminants in seven different biotopes showed significant differences of the habitats resulting from the previous Cd-emission of metallurgy smelting non-ferrous metals. The winter grazing of the Tharandt Forest and the Harz mountains contained significantly more Cd than that of the Lower Flaming hills, the western Erzgebirge and the northern agrarian areas. The bark and the tips of conifer twigs, twigs of oak and mountain ash, bilberry and heather plants, i. e. perennial plants resp. parts of plants proved to be particularly rich in Cd. On an average, wild ruminants consume more Cd than domesticated ruminants, which do not consume parts of perennial plants. The rumen contents of all wild ruminants contained, with 0.20 to 0.25 mg/kg dry matter more Cd than could be expected from the content of the grazing. In the Cd-contaminated areas the amount of Cd in the rumen contents too showed the Cd-load. The kidneys, livers and the covering hair of a total of 172 head red deer, roes and mouflons reflected the Cd-load and the dependence of the Cd-level on the age. The Cd-concentration ascertained in the organs of the wild ruminants was compared with that of sheep and cattle. The, on an average, higher Cd-load of the wild ruminants was confirmed. The kidneys of wild ruminants older than five years should, as a general principle, not be eaten and neither should the livers of animals from Cd-contaminated biotopes. The limb defects of mouflons from Cd-contaminated areas are discussed in connection with Cd-induced secondary Cu-deficiency resp. Mn- and Zn-deficiency. A reference is made to further works.     

Excessive iron administration to sheep. 2. The effect on the iron, copper, zinc and manganese level in different organs

Lambs received 250, 1000 and 1750 mg Fe per kg concentrate dry matter. The Fe-supplementations caused the Fe-levels of spleen, liver, kidneys and ribs to rise significantly. Liver and spleen reflected most markedly the high Fe-supply. The Fe-supplementation reduced the Cu-content in the liver and the share of Zn in the kidneys. The Mn-content of all body parts analysed was not significantly influenced by Fe-supplementation.     

The interaction of cadmium and selenium in horse kidney cortex in relation to histopathological changes

The kidney cortex of 32 Finnish horses was analysed chemically for cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) content and by light microscopy for histopathological changes of the tissues. Cd concentrations in kidney cortex ranged from 6.9 to 91.6 mg/kg wet weight with an average of 31.9 mg/kg. Se concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg with an average of 1.0 mg/kg. The age of the horses varied from 1.5 to 32 years; mean age was 16 years.Cd levels in kidney cortex seemed to increase linearly up to an age of about 16 years. In old (over 16 years) horses no such correlation could be found. Se concentrations were found to decrease in relation to age. The horses with higher than 1 mg/kg Se in kidney cortex had less PAS-positive casts than horses with low Se content. Among the total population of the horses no correlation could be demonstrated between Cd and Se concentrations in kidney cortex. However, the horses with more than 40 mg/kg Cd in their kidney cortex had a slightly positive correlation between Cd and Se concentrations.     

Study of the soil-plant (carrot)-animal cycle of nutritive and hazardous minerals in a rabbit model.

Carrots were grown on soils polluted by heavy metal salts. Each particular microelement reached a high concentration [molybdenum (Mo) 39.00, cadmium (Cd) 2.30, lead (Pb) 4.01, mercury (Hg) 30.00, and selenium (Se) 36.20 mg/kg dry matter] in the carrot. In a metabolic balance trial conducted with 15 male and 15 female New Zealand White rabbits, the control animals (n = 5) were fed ad libitum with concentrate as basal diet, while the other rabbits received the basal diet and carrots containing the particular microelement. Blood samples were taken to determine the activity of serum enzymes. To investigate the metabolism of Mo, Cd, Pb, Hg and Se, samples were taken from the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, ovaries/testicles, entire digestive tract, adipose tissue, femur, hair, faeces and urine. Carrot had significantly higher digestibility for all nutrients than the rabbit concentrate. Carrot samples of high Pb content had the lowest digestibility of crude protein. The microelements differed in their rate of accumulation in the organs examined: Mo and Cd accumulated in the kidneys, Pb in the kidneys, liver, bones and lungs, Hg in the kidneys and liver, while Se in the liver, kidneys and heart. The proportions of microelements eliminated from the body either via the faeces and urine (Mo 80.18% and Se 47.41%) or via the faeces (Cd 37.86%, Pb 66.39%, Hg 64.65%) were determined. Pathohistological examination revealed that the rate of spermatogenesis was reduced in the Mo, Cd, Pb and Hg groups compared to the control. Lead, Cd and Hg intake resulted in a considerable decrease in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and in an increase of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity because of damages to the kidneys and bones. All experimental treatments decreased the activity of cholinesterase (CHE) because of lesions in the liver.     

Study of soil-plant (potato and beetroot)-animal cycle of nutritive and hazardous minerals in a rabbit model.

Potato and beetroot were grown on soils previously treated with heavy metal salts. Each particular microelement had a high concentration in both potato and beetroot [cadmium (Cd) 3.7 and 55.4, lead (Pb) 8.1 and 3.0, and mercury (Hg) 5.8 and 6.8 mg/kg dry matter, respectively]. In a metabolic balance trial 16 New Zealand White rabbits were fed 50 grams of basal diet and potato or beetroot ad libitum. The apparent digestibility of major nutrients and the accumulation of the microelements in different organs were investigated. Both potato and beetroot samples of high Pb and Hg content had the significantly (p < 0.05) lowest digestibility of organic matter and nitrogen-free extract. The Cd ingested from both potato and beetroot accumulated in the kidneys and liver (2.85 and 1.48 as well as 0.459 and 0.265 mg/kg, respectively). All the microelements (Cd, Pb and Hg) accumulated in the testicles (0.196, 0.32 and 0.199 mg/kg, respectively), reducing the rate of spermatogenesis. The tissue retention of heavy metals depends not only on the element itself, but also upon the 'carrier' feedstuff.     

Distribution of harmful metals in sheep after experimental administration of industrial emissions]

Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, Se, As, Cd and Pb distribution was followed in the organisms of seven lambing ewes after these animals had been on a diet with industrial contaminants generated by the copper and zinc works. The amount of ingested contaminants per lambing ewe was 31.99 g a day pursuant to the starting liveweight. Per-head daily intake of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, Se, As, Cd and Pb in mg: 402.02; 95.97; 6158.07; 1.436; 2.975; 15.38; 0.597; 22.14. The first ewe with symptoms of zinc intoxication died on day 42 and the last on day 58. The highest Zn concentrations were recorded in the dry matter of dead ewe liver (1167.3 +/- 314.1 mg per kg). An amount of 1048 +/- 283.7 mg Zn per kg was cumulated in the kidneys in the process of contaminant administration. High Zn contents were also observed in the uterus and spleen. The highest amounts of Cu were cumulated in liver (445.6 238.1 mg per kg). Spleen was an organ with the highest concentrations of Fe, the ovaries cumulated the highest amounts of Mo and bony tissue and ovaries the highest amounts of Se. An exposure of the organisms to As, Cd and Pb in ewes intoxicated with zinc from a source of industrial pollutants, was reflected in their high contents in the ovaries, kidneys, liver and bony tissue. These results demonstrate that in sheep the liver, kidneys, uterus, spleen and ovaries are the most suitable organs if it is to prove zinc intoxication caused by pollutants from the copper and zinc works. Liver, kidneys, ovaries, uterus, spleen, skeletal muscles and bony tissue seem to be suitable for an evaluation of Cu, Fe, Mo, Se, As, Cd and Pb distribution in the organisms of ewes which died from zinc intoxication caused by pollutants from the above-mentioned source.     

The lead status of horses from central Europe depending on breed, sex, age and living area

The breed of horses took a significant effect on the Pb content of animals with a normal Pb supply. Warm-blooded horses stored more Pb in skeleton, kidneys, liver and cerebrum than heavy horses. The sex only had the trend of influencing the Pb status. Mares with a normal Pb supply incorporated more Pb than geldings. Age only took a slight effect on the skeleton. Older horses stored more Pb in the metatarsal bone than younger ones. The Pb content of horse meat was not influenced by Pb exposure. Pb was not additionally deposited in the musculature. The Pb offer of the living area took a significant effect on the Pb status of horses. Skeleton, liver and kidneys indicated the site-specific influences significantly.     

Nutrient content and adequacy of roughage for horse nutrition: an investigation under Swiss conditions

For horses no special tables related to nutrients for Swiss roughage exist. For this reason samples of hay, straw, silage/haylage and green forage were taken from 46 horse keeping farms in 22 cantons. The samples were judged by sense and following the nutrient--and macromineral--content as well as the content of fructans were analysed. Regarding its quality no sample was totally inadequate for horses. The mean contents of crude protein in Swiss hay for horses were clearly lower than in hay for ruminants and in German hay for horses. The mineral contents (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) showed a wide range. On average they were also lower than the values provided in tables for ruminants. Except for one sample the silages/haylages showed a dry matter content of more than 40 %. No nutrient tables for silage or haylage, which are such high in dry matter contents, were found in the literature.The contents offructans in silage/haylage and green forage also showed a wide range with a maximum of 94 g/kg DM fructan.     

The influence of sulphur, molybdenum and cadmium exposure on the growth of goat, cattle and pig

In growing billy goats, bulls and heifers, the supplementation of 10 g elementary S/kg ration dry matter reduced the daily weight gain by about 15%. The offer of 10 g S and 10 mg Mo/kg ration did not intensify growth depression. It occurred, however, when 10 g S were applied together with 3 mg Cd. Under these conditions, fattening bulls gained 19% less weight. The monogastric pig reacted less sensitively to the same exposure. The growth depression only reached about 10% and remained insignificantly. On the other hand, pigs with 10 g S and 3 mg Cd gained 17% less weight (p less than 0.05). The supplementation of 20 g elementary S/kg reduced their growth dramatically. These pigs only gained 89 g weight per day. The effect of S (and Mo or Cd) supplementation was mainly due to decreased feed consumption.     

国产咪唑苯脲对驽巴贝西虫病治疗试验

应用国产抗巴贝西虫新药咪唑苯脲(Imidocarb)二盐酸盐。对3匹马分别按每kg体重2、4、8mg剂量进行了安全性试验。结果,2、4mg剂量的马,间隔24h肌肉注射2次,临床、血液、肝功、肾功均未见明显变化;8mg剂量的马,仅注射1次就出现呼吸困难、流涎、腹痛和排稀粪等反应,30min后消失。对14例自然发病的驽巴贝西虫病马,按2mg/kg的体重剂量进行了试治,其中8例间隔24h共用药2次,6例仅用药1次,结果均获痊愈,且无任何副作用。     

Copper, zinc and manganese concentrations in equine liver, kidney and plasma

Five groups of horses were fed different diets of known trace mineral concentration for a minimum of six months. Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were measured in livers of 125 yearling horses and kidneys of 81 yearling horses as an assessment of trace mineral status. Plasma Cu and Zn determinations were made for all horses.

Mean hepatic Cu concentrations of horses fed diets containing 6.9 to 15.2 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM) feed were 0.27 to 0.33 μmol/g DM tissue. Plasma Cu concentrations ranged between 22.8 to 28.3 μmol/L. There was no simple mathematical relationship between plasma and hepatic Cu concentrations. Mean hepatic Zn concentrations in horses fed diets containing 25.6 to 52.2 mg Zn/kg DM feed were determined to be between 2.75 to 2.91 μmol/g DM tissue. Mean plasma Zn concentrations in groups of horses were between 11.7 to 13.5 μmol/L. Plasma Zn concentrations were not indicative of hepatic Zn concentration. Hepatic Mn concentrations ranged between 0.13 and 0.14 μmol/g DM tissue.

Renal Zn concentrations ranged between 1.55 to 1.63 μmol/g DM tissue and did not differ with diet. Mean renal Mn concentrations were 0.09 μmol/g DM tissue for all groups of horses. Renal Cu concentrations ranged from 0.36 to 0.47 μmol/g DM tissue and differed with diet.

     

Heavy metals (cadmium, copper, lead and mercury) in common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from Denmark

In an examination of 50 Danish common eiders, the liver and kidney content of cadmium, copper, lead and mercury was determined. Eiders were chosen for analysis, because this species feed almost exclusively on the common mussel (Mytilus edulis), which is known to accumulate heavy metals. The concentrations recorded of cadmium, copper, and mercury were lower than what is usually regarded as toxic for birds, except for one eider which carried more than 2000 mg copper/kg liver tissue (dry weight). Of the 42 eiders analysed for lead, four had toxic levels, i.e., more than 7 mg per kg liver wet weight, and two other had increased levels, i.e., 3-7 mg lead per kg liver wet weight. The mean Cd concentration was 3.3 mg/kg liver (ww). This means that by consumption of ab. 160 gram liver from the common eider, the weekly tolerable intake of cadmium suggested by FAO/WHO would be exceeded.     

Effect of Vitamin D 3 on Cadmium Retention by Laying Hens

The effect of cadmium (Cd) and vitamin D 3 on Cd retention in the organism of laying hens was observed. Hens ( n =48) were divided into eight groups with six animals per group as follows: experimental groups 1, 3 and 5 were administered Cd (0.3, 0.6 and 6.0 mg CdCl 2 kg -1 body weight, respectively) daily in water and groups 2, 4 and 6 were administered the same CdCl 2 concentrations supplemented with vitamin D 3 (100 IU hen -1 ). C1 was a control group without any supplements and C2 a control group supplemented only with vitamin D 3 . Samples of inner organs were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after 6 months of Cd exposure. A significant elevation in Cd levels, mainly in the liver and kidneys, was found. A significant decrease ( P h 0.01) in Cd levels in the liver was recorded after the addition of 6.0 mg CdCl 2 kg -1 body weight and vitamin D 3 , in comparison with the group without vitamin D 3 (18.76 vs. 10.33 mg kg -1 ). A similar decrease in Cd levels in the kidney ( P h 0.001) at the same supplementation dose of Cd was obtained in comparison with the group without vitamin D 3 (145.32 vs. 60.37 mg kg -1 ). The results confirmed that vitamin D 3 is able to reduce the Cd content in the organism of laying hens. The main effect of vitamin D 3 was demonstrated by decreasing Cd retention in the liver and especially in the kidneys.     

饲粮卵磷脂添加水平对肉鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肝脏营养成分及肝脏和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮卵磷脂添加水平对肉鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肝脏营养成分及肝脏和血清生化指标的影响。选取体重一致的1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡500只,随机分成5个组,每组10个重复,每个重复10只鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加500、1000、1500和2000 mg/kg卵磷脂。试验期42 d。结果表明:1)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21和42日龄肉鸡平均体重呈二次曲线升高(P<0.05)。2)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,42日龄肉鸡半净膛率和全净膛率呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡腿肌率呈线性升高(P<0.05)。3)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡新鲜样本基础和干物质基础上肝脏有机物含量呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),42日龄肉鸡新鲜样本基础和干物质基础上肝脏有机物和粗脂肪含量均呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。4)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡肝脏总胆固醇含量呈线性升高(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡肝脏甘油三酯含量呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.01)。5)与对照组相比,饲粮添加1000、1500和2000 mg/kg卵磷脂显著降低了21和42日龄肉鸡血清甘油三酯含量(P<0.05),饲粮添加2000 mg/kg卵磷脂显著降低21和42日龄肉鸡血清尿素氮含量(P<0.05)。随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡血清低密度脂蛋白、甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量呈线性降低(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡血清甘油三酯含量呈线性和二次曲线降低(P<0.05)。由此可见,饲粮添加卵磷脂能够提高肉鸡生长性能和屠宰性能,调节肝脏和血清脂质代谢,降低血清尿素氮含量。以肉鸡平均体重为判断指标,推荐1~21日龄和22~42日龄肉鸡基础饲粮中卵磷脂添加水平分别为952和1246 mg/kg。     

Effect of nickel deficiency on biochemical variables in serum, liver, heart and kidneys of goats.

Nickel deficiency was induced in 2- to 4-year-old goats by feeding 0.1 mg Ni/kg dry matter with a semisynthetic diet. The control group consumed 5.0 mg Ni/kg d.m. Activity of several enzymes (SDH, LDH, HBDH, AST, ALT, ALD, CK, CHE) was determined in the serum, liver, heart and kidneys. Serum urea-N level was also measured and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examinations were performed. Signs characteristic of nickel deficiency (retarded growth, increased mortality of dam and offspring, parakeratosis of the skin) appeared in the low-nickel group. The activity of SDH and ALD, as well as the level of urea-N was significantly lower in the serum of Ni-deficient animals than in the control. Ni-deficient animals also had significantly lower enzyme activities in the heart (SDH, HBDH, AST, ALT, ALD and CK), liver (SDH and CHE) and kidneys (HBDH and CK). Electron micrographs showed degeneration of cardiac and skeletal muscle in the Ni-deficient animals. Ni deficiency elicited changes primarily in the heart and these resulted in depressed activity of several enzymes.     

肉鸡实验性镉中毒的病理学研究

用3日龄雏鸡150只，作急性和亚急性镉中毒病理学观察，急性毒性的LD50为84．48mg/kg体重。1／10，1／20，1／30，1／40LD50和基础组作亚急性实验，实验期6周，死亡和存活鸡之比分别为4／12，3／12，3／12，3／12和0／12。死亡鸡的主要病变为肺充血、出血及炎症，肝变性及肝周炎，心肌变性及心外膜炎以及肠道卡他等。电镜检查亚急性存活病例，主要肝、心、肾细胞内的线粒体减少及萎缩，肝内质网增生、断裂，肾小球基底膜节段性增厚。亚急性试验鸡的肝和肌肉中镉含量极显著差异高于对照组（P＜0．01），而肝中铁含量试验组则极显著低于对照组(P＜0．01）。     

Effects of high selenium intake on selenium status, liver function and claw health of fattening bulls

The effects of three dietary selenium (Se) levels (0.15, 0.35 and 0.5 mg/kg dry matter (dm) and of two Se-compounds (sodium selenite and Se-yeast) on the Se-status, liver function and claw health were studied using 36 fattening bulls in a two-factorial feeding trial that lasted 16 weeks. The claw health was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. Compared to the two control diets containing 0.15 mg Se/kg dm, the intake of the diets containing 0.35 and 0.50 mg Se/kg dm significantly (P < 0.05) increased the Se-concentration in serum, hair, liver and skeletal muscle. Compared to sodium selenite the intake of Se-yeast resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher Se-concentration in serum, liver and hair. Concerning the claw horn quality, there was no significant difference between the different groups; the animals receiving organic Se tended to have a better histological score (P = 0.06) at the coronary band than the groups fed with sodium selenite. The serum vitamin E level decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing Se-intake, which had no influence (P > 0.1) on growth and liver function parameters. With the exception of the decrease of the serum vitamin E level indicating an oxidative stress caused by a high Se-intake, no negative effects of dietary selenium exceeding recommended levels for 4 months were observed.     

Copper poisoning of sheep after ad libitum supplementation of rations by a mineral feed

Within 8 weeks 22 of 400 sheep died with symptoms of Cu intoxication. In the liver of 2 dead sheep Cu contents of 491 and 830 mg/kg dry matter were found. The concentration of copper in the concentrate and other feedstuffs (grass, hay, straw, kale, dried sugar beet pulp) could not explain the development of Cu-toxicosis. The mineral-vitamin-supplement contained 86.7 mg Cu/kg. Obviously the Cu intoxication of previously Cu loaded sheep was provoked by offering the mineral supplement ad libitum (with intervals of 3-4 days), the intake of this mixture reached values up to 400 g/animal and day. By renunciation of mineral supplements in the same flock 7 months later lambs died due to Cu deficiency (Cu content in the liver: 13-14 mg/kg dry matter).     

Effect of ingested heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Hg) on haematology and serum biochemistry in rabbits

In order to investigate the effects of exposure to possible environmental pollutants such as Cd, Pb and Hg on haematological and serum biochemistry values, New Zealand White female rabbits were treated orally with distilled water solutions of CdSO4 x H2O, Pb(NO3)2 and HgCl2 (n = 4/treatment) in concentrations of 2.3, 4.1, and 30 mg/kg dry matter, respectively, for 28 days. The initial concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg in serum were significantly increased by the treatment. Exposure to Pb significantly decreased the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and the haematocrit (Hct) value. The Zn-protoporphyrin concentration did not change as a result of Pb exposure. Pb and Hg loading significantly increased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was also increased by both Hg and Cd exposure. Comparing the treated and the control rabbits, all the trace elements studied significantly reduced the activity of enzymes in the pancreatic tissues. The haematological results indicate that hyperchromic macrocytic anaemia developed in rabbits treated with Pb. The increased activities of both AST and ALT indicate pathophysiological changes of the liver parenchyma, which was verified by focal fatty infiltration seen histopathologically. Cd exposure could exert a toxic effect on the kidneys, although the slight tubulonephrosis developed would not possibly affect the renal function. The reduced activities of amylase, trypsin, protease and lipase induced by Cd, Pb and Hg suggest toxicity to the pancreas.