Studies of High Molybdenum-Induced Copper Deprivation in <i>P. przewalskii</i> on The Qinghai Lake Pasture in China

• Main Authors: Bowen Zhai, Kui Zhao, Fuyuan Liu, Xiaoyun Shen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: pasture management; copper deprivation; <i>P. przewalskii</i>; molybdenum; the Qinghai Lake watershed
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5071

The Przewalski’s Gazelles (<i>P. przewalskii</i>) are affected by disorders that are characterized by deprived appetites, pica, emaciation and dyskinesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of high molybdenum (Mo) in forage leading to copper (Cu) deprivation. The mineral contents in forage, soil, and samples of hair and blood from affected ranges were compared to healthy pasture. Blood parameters were also determined. Our results showed that the mean content of Mo in forage and soil in studied pasture was 5.17 and 4.17 μg/g, respectively. The Cu to Mo ratio in forage from affected and healthy areas was 1.26 and 5.89 μg/g, respectively. The Cu concentrations in hair and blood from gazelles in affected pasture were extremely lower (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected animals. The Mo contents in hair were higher (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected gazelles. The levels of Hb, RBC, PCV, MCV, and MCH in unaffected gazelles were significantly lower (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected gazelles. The levels of TP, ALB and GLB in blood were significantly lower (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected gazelles, while the levels of AST, LDH, CPK and ALP in serum were significantly higher (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected gazelles. The activities in serum T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT in affected gazelles were extremely lower (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than those in unaffected gazelles, while MDA was significantly higher (<i>p </i>< 0.01) than that in unaffected gazelles. Supplementation in copper sulphate (CuSO₄) has prevented and cured this disorder. In summary, high molybdenum in feed and soil may lead to secondary Cu deficiency in gazelles, which can be alleviated by supplement of copper sulfate.