Micro minerals in the liver of Ovis canadensis mexicana Merriam and Odocoileus hemionus eremicus Mearns in Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: The bighorn sheep (BC) and mule deer (VB) are the most important hunting species in northwestern Mexico and their populations may be affected by micro-minerals deficiencies.

Objective: Was to determine concentrations of micro-minerals Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, Co and Cr in the liver as indicators of deficiencies/excesses in BC and BV.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out at the UMA "Rancho Noche Buena", located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Liver samples were taken from three BC and five BV. The micro-minerals were determined on an inductively coupled quadrupole plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and the analyzes were validated using a reference sample.

Results: In BC the average contents of Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cr were 114.8, 60.9, 63.8, 1.1, 2.6, and 0.15 mgkg^-1 and in VB were of 183.9, 28.9, 44.6, 1.2, 2.6, and 0.17 mgkg^-1, respectively, and are within the ranges considered as suitable for healthy animals. However, one BC and two BV had Cu deficiencies and 60% of the Zn BV. The Co contents in BC and VB were 14.6 and 12.3% lower as the adequate level.

Conclusions: In BC (n=3) the Fe, Zn, Se and Mn contents were adequate and the Cu was partially adequate, in a BC was deficient. In VB, the Fe, Se and Mn contents indicate that there are no deficiencies. The Cu and Zn contents were partially adequate since 40 and 60% of the VB showed deficiencies. The Co was deficient in both species.

Key words: Diagnosis; microelements; deficiencies, bighorn sheep, mule deer.