TRACE-ELEMENTS STATUS IN CAMELS - A REVIEW

Data relating to trace-elements status in camels is scarce, from both a clinical and biochemical point of view. Clinical deficiency or toxic ity has rarely been described in this species. However, there is a som e evidence that camels are sensitive to trace element disorders in the same way as other ruminants. For example, copper deficiency in camels has been reported in East Africa. Normal plasma level is comparable t o cattle (70-120 mg/100 mL). Camels appear to maintain zinc levels at a lower value than other domestic ruminants (<60 mu g/100 mL). Iron me tabolism is more active in the liver than in the spleen. Data concerni ng manganese levels are possibly unreliable. Some cases of selenium de ficiency (white muscle disease) have been reported. No data are availa ble for cobalt status in camels. Finally, camels appear to be more sen sitive to iodine deficiency than the other domestic ruminants.