Breed differences in plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations of Merino, Dohne Merino and S.A. Mutton Merino sheep with relation to the bent-leg syndrome.

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dc.contributor.authorVan Niekerk F.E.
dc.contributor.authorVan Niekerk C.H.
dc.contributor.authorHeine E.W.
dc.contributor.authorCoetzee J.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T15:57:02Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T15:57:02Z
dc.date.issued1989
dc.description.abstractPlasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were determined in ewes and their single and twin lambs from birth for 120 days in Merino, Dohne Merino and South African Mutton Merino sheep. Mineral concentrations as well as the plasma calcium: phosphorus ratio were compared between breeds. Throughout the experimental period, plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher in both single and twin lambs than in the ewes of all 3 breeds. No breed differences in plasma calcium concentrations were found. Animals of the S.A. Mutton Merino breed had significantly higher (P less than 0.05) plasma phosphorus concentrations than the other 2 breeds. The plasma Ca:P ratio in the Merino and Dohne Merino ram lambs was approximately 1.1:1 and in the S.A. Mutton Merino 0.9:1. This converse plasma Ca:P ratio found in both the S.A. Mutton Merino ewes and lambs is believed to result in an induced plasma ionised calcium deficiency which leads to improper calcification of bone. This is believed to be a contributing factor in the bent-leg syndrome. No difference was recorded in body mass between ram lambs suffering from the bent-leg syndrome and unaffected ram lambs. Plasma magnesium concentrations were not affected by breed or age of the animals.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationJournal of the South African Veterinary Association
dc.identifier.citation60
dc.identifier.citation1
dc.identifier.issn10199128
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/10177
dc.subjectcalcium
dc.subjectmagnesium
dc.subjectphosphorus
dc.subjectanimal
dc.subjectanimal disease
dc.subjectarticle
dc.subjectblood
dc.subjectbone dysplasia
dc.subjectfemale
dc.subjectleg
dc.subjectmale
dc.subjectsheep
dc.subjectsheep disease
dc.subjectsyndrome
dc.subjectAnimal
dc.subjectBone Diseases, Developmental
dc.subjectCalcium
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectLeg
dc.subjectMagnesium
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectPhosphorus
dc.subjectSheep
dc.subjectSheep Diseases
dc.subjectSyndrome
dc.titleBreed differences in plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations of Merino, Dohne Merino and S.A. Mutton Merino sheep with relation to the bent-leg syndrome.
dc.typeArticle
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