Lamb mortality in an organized farm: Cause and control

An unexplained mortality with signs of diarrhoea recumbency and ataxia in l ambs in an organized farm in Northern lndia was investigated during June 19 97. The ailment was characterized by afebrile sickness with loose faeces, p osterior ataxia, pale conjunctive, dullness, refractary appetite, inco-ordi nated gait, weakness and recumbency. Faecal examination ruled out parasitic diarrhoea. Haemogram revealed anaemia. Mean blood micromineral content wer e estimated a 2.16 +/- 0.14, 38 +/- 0.08, 0.028 +/- 0.02, 0.32 +/- 0.06 and 0.011 +/- 0.06 ppm of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb and Cd respetively. Mean Cu content i n liver and forages samples were estimated as 4.84 +/- 0.62 and 55.40 +/- 1 .56 ppm (wet basis) respectively. Based on clinical and laboratory, finding s the problem of diarrhoea, ataxia and recumbency was diagnosed as enzootic ataxia due to primary copper deficiency. Therapeutic response to copper su pplement further confirmed the diagnosis.