Evaluation of phosphorus deficiency in ruminants by serum biochemistry

Abstract

One of most important reasons for low productive performance in ruminants is mineral deficiency in the diet. Several elements can be affected, but phosphorus is the most frequent deficiency in Brazil. Thus, the present work aimed to determine the occurrence of phosphorus deficiency in ruminants at Mossoró city, west region of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) state, Brazil, using serum biochemistry assay as a practice, fast and cheap tool for diagnostic. It were collected blood samples from 72 bovines (dairy cattle) from 9 farms, 50 sheep and 50 goats from 5 farms each, localized at Mossoró city periphery, RN. In these samples it were measured the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase and concentrations of phosphorus, calcium and total proteins. The obtained results revealed phosphorus deficiency in all three evaluated species, and corroborate to the need of adequate supplementation of this mineral at evaluated region. The utilized serum biochemistry panel proved to be efficient for determination of phosphorus deficiency, being a way faster and cheaper than traditionally used evaluation techniques. Keywords: Mineral deficiency, phosphorus, cattle, sheep, goats