rumenitis and subsequently affect calcium phosphorus
balance and magnesium absorption. Addition of
buffers and chelated minerals may ameliorate some
of these changes, however, the primary underlying
etiology is still incompletely understood. Inadequate
data exist to determine whether these dietary
changes will resolve the syndrome. Preliminary
data suggest that calcium phosphorus balance and
magnesium levels may be improved if treated early.
Conclusions
Mineral balance is essential for normal physiological
functions and good health. Imbalance in minerals
may result from inappropriate diets, concentrate
feeding resulting in alterations in rumen pH, and
concurrent disease. Measurement of trace minerals
in exotic ungulates may be an underutilized diagnostic
tool in assessing herd health. Clinical signs of
alopecia, loss of body condition, lameness, muscle
fasciculations, and seizures have been observed with
hypocalcemia concurrent with hypomagnesemia in
kudu, nyala, and eland. Evaluation of diet and feed
management, along with serum mineral levels, should
be performed to allow veterinarians and nutritionists
the ability to recognize, treat, and prevent mineral
imbalances leading to clinical signs.
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Table 1. Selected mineral values in grazer species
Grazer species Ca (ppm) P (ppm) Mg (ppm)
Goat* 90-116 37-97 21-29
Mean Mg (ppm) Std. Dev.
Sheep* 90-130 40-80 20-35
Cattle* 85-110 45-80 20-35
Ankole 91-105 76-109 18-24 20.6 1.9
Banteng 87-119 65-114 17-27 21.7 2.7
Gemsbok 71-119 43-124 13-26 19.2 2.9
Scimitar horned oryx 69-113 59-124 12-26 20.6 3.5
Sable antelope 73-113 40-104 15-25 21.3 2.4
Wildebeest 91-109 41-124 18-25 19.9 2.4
*Laboratory reference ranges
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