THE CONCENTRATION OF CERTAIN TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE WOOL OF SHEEP WITH FLUOROSIS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trace element levels in the wool of sheep, with and without fluorosis, living in a volcanic area of Turkey. Fifteen Akkaraman sheep with fluorosis in the Agri region, to the north of Lake Van, and 10 Akkaraman sheep without fluorosis in the Van region, to the south of Lake Van in the eastern part of Turkey, were investigated. The urinary fluoride levels were measured with an ion selective electrode. The sheep with fluorosis were identified by clinical examination and the presence of a high urinary fluoride level. The wool samples were obtained from the neck region. The trace element concentrations in these samples were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was determined that in the fluorosis group, compared to the control group, the copper and zinc levels were significantly decreased (p=0.05), and a non-significant decrease (p=0.05) was present for the levels of the nickel, manganese, iron, and cobalt.