A Case of Concurrent Molybdenosis, Secondary Copper, Cobalt and Selenium Deficiency in a Small Sheep Herd in Northern Germany

Abstract

To the author's knowledge this paper describes the first proven report of a combined primary molybdenosis, secondary copper (Cu) deficiency, Ovine White Liver Disease-Cobalt (Co) deficiency, and selenium (Se) deficiency in a small pedigree herd of White Horned Heath sheep in Germany (8 ewes, 2 rams, 3 yearling ewes, 17 lambs) for decades. Clinical signs associated with these mineral deficiencies in a group of pastured ram lambs included emaciation, conjunctivitis, anaemia, growth retardation, discolouration of the wool and photodermatitis. Morbidities and mortalities arose in 4-6-month-old lambs despite intensive veterinary treatment in the summer of 2014 and 2015 (n = 13, 23% died). Se (3/5), Cu (4/7), and Co (3/3) deficiencies in combination with elevated values for Molybdenum (Mo, 2/2) were found. Hamburg is a large industrial city and an input of heavy metals from surrounding industries and coal-fired power stations in combination with a sandy, non-fertilised soil and monoculture grass species might offer a potential explanation for the severity of mineral deficiencies observed in this herd.

Keywords: cobalt; copper; deficiency; molybdenosis; selenium; sheep.

Figure 1

Histopathology of the liver: liver, HE, 20× magnification, hepatic lipidosis composed of fat droplets (arrow) within hepatocytes, a mild periportal lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltration (arrowhead) and mild biliary hyperplasia (asterisk). The sample was gained from the ram lamb submitted to the clinic for further investigations and euthanized on grounds of animal welfare.