Effects of Nano-Copper Poisoning on Immune and Antioxidant Function in the Wumeng Semi-Fine Wool Sheep

The Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep is vital to the production system of the Wumeng mountainous area in Southwest China. To study the effect of nano-copper poisoning in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep, nano-copper poisoning model was established in sheep. We determined blood physiological and biochemical parameters, immune indexes, and antioxidant indicators. The results showed that Hb, RBC, and PCV levels in blood from the nano-copper group were markedly lower (P < 0.01) than those in the control group. Serum LDH, AST, ALT, CPK, and Cp from the nano-copper group were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in control animals. Serum SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC from the nano-copper group were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in control sheep, and MDA content in serum from the nano-copper group were markedly higher (P < 0.01) than those in control sheep. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, IgA, IgM, and IgG from the nano-copper group were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in the control group. It was concluded that nano-copper poisoning could not only affect the immune function of Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep but also reduce the antioxidant capacity.

Effects of Environmental Zinc Deficiency on Antioxidant System Function in Wumeng Semi-fine Wool Sheep

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of zinc deficiency on the antioxidant system function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep. The content of mineral elements in soil, forage, and animal tissues were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The blood parameters were analyzed by automatic blood cell analyzer, and the serum biochemical indexes were analyzed by automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that the concentrations of zinc in soil and herbage were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in affected than control pasture, and calcium content was also significantly higher (P < 0.01). The concentrations of zinc in blood and liver from the affected animals were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals, and calcium content was also significantly higher (P < 0.01). The content of hemoglobin, erythrocyte number, packed cell volume, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood from affected areas were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were also higher (P < 0.01). Serum superoxide dismutase, serum glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase from affected areas were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. Malondialdehyde content was also higher (P < 0.01). There were no differences in other blood mineral element concentrations, blood indexes, and serum biochemical values. It was concluded that zinc deficiency in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep is mainly caused by the low content of zinc in soil and forage, and the zinc deficiency seriously affected the antioxidant system function.