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

Abstract

The Przewalski’s Gazelles (P. przewalskii) 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 (p p p p p p p 4) 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.

Keywords

• pasture management
• copper deprivation
• <i>P. przewalskii</i>
• molybdenum
• the Qinghai Lake watershed