Zinc deficiency in sheep flock in Kerman suburb-Iran: a clinicopathologic study of four cases with a review of literature

Primary zinc deficiency is not common in ruminants, but its occurrence has been documented. This study was conducted on a flock of 45 Kermani sheep during February 2022 to June 2022. The signs of alopecia, pityriasis, infertility, growth retardation, weakness, anorexia, itching, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and increased risk of infection, which was suspected of zinc deficiency, were observed in 4 sheep. The heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, and blood indices including PCV, total and differential white blood cell count, and red blood cell count were measured. Hematology results indicated a significant increase in white blood cells in affected sheep. The achieved biopsied cutaneous tissues of the sheep with skin lesions, were stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin method. Pathologically, the parakeratosis was observed in cornified squamous epithelium and therefore zinc deficiency was confirmed. The treatment strategy included oral zinc sulfate tablets with a dose of 250 mg per day for 4 weeks and the use of mineral bricks to continue the treatment process. After 10 weeks, signs of recovery appeared.