An estimation of the dietary allowances of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se
for single- and twin-bearing ewes
N.D. Grace
Applied Biochemistry Division, DSIR, Palmerston North
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1986, 46: 37-40
Fifty-six pregnant Romney ewes grazing a ryegrass/white clover
pasture were divided into 7 groups of 8 and slaughtered at days 62, 81,
100, 115, 125, 135 and 143 of gestation to remove the conceptus (uterine
tissue and membranes, placental fluids and the foetus[es] and determine
its total Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se content. The uterus was also removed
from 8 ewes just prior to mating. Half the ewes had twin foetuses. The
daily rates of deposition of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se were calculated from
the slope of the curves relating the gestational age with the net trace
element content of the conceptus. The dietary allowance of Cu, Zn, Fe,
Mn and Se for the pregnant ewe was then calculated from the daily
deposition rates into the conceptus, determined from this study, and
published data on the net requirements for maintenance, coefficients of
absorption and DM intakes. The calculated dietary allowances (per kg
DM) for single- and twin-bearing ewes, were 7.4 mg Cu, 24 mg Zn, 36 mg
Fe, 30 mg Mn and 33 µg Se.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Sheep; pregnancy; dietary allowance; Cu; Zn; Fe; Mn; Se
Download abstract in text format
Last Updated 18-03-1997
