The Relationship between Serum Zinc, Copper and Vitamin A Concentration and the Severity of Lesions in Sarcoptic Mange of Goat

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the serum levels of zinc, copper and vitamin A in caprine sarcoptic mange. Fifteen goats were purposively selected in the field and assigned into 3 groups (A, B and C) of 5 goats each, based on the severity of the mange skin lesions. Another 2 groups (D and E) of 5 goats each were used as the contact (exposure) infested and the uninfested control groups, respectively. Serum zinc and copper levels were assayed by atomic absorption spectroscopy while serum vitamin A level was determined by calorimetric method. Data generated were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Serum zinc, copper and vitamin A concentration decreased with increased severity of lesions in infested goats in which the naturally infested goats (groups A, B, C) had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower serum levels of zinc, copper and vitamin A compared to the contact (exposure) infested goats (D) and uninfested control (E). Results of this study suggests a possible role of zinc, copper and vitamin A in the pathogenesis of sarcoptic mange, as the deficiency of these elements in the serum may lead to an increase in susceptibility to infestation with mange parasite.