To research responses of Chinese Merino Sheep (Junken type) to copper-deprived natural pasture, we analyzed mineral contents in soil, forage, and sheep tissues. Physiological and biochemical parameters were also determined. Results showed that copper concentrations in soil and forage from affected pastures were significantly lower than those in healthy ranges (P < 0.01). Copper contents in animal tissues (blood, liver, and wool) from affected Chinese Merino Sheep were also significantly lower than those in healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin from affected Chinese Merino Sheep were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Serum ceruloplasmin was significantly lower in affected Chinese Merino Sheep than that in healthy animals, while activities of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase in serum were significantly higher in affected compared with healthy animals (P < 0.01). The levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase in serum were significantly lower, and the malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy sheep (P < 0.01). The levels of interleukin-2, interleukin 6, interleukin-1β, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G in copper-deprived sheep were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Copper deprivation in forage not only influenced the mineral content in blood but also severely disrupted blood parameters (physiology, biochemistry, immunity, and antioxidant) in Chinese Merino Sheep.
Keywords: Antioxidant function; Chinese merino sheep; Copper deprivation; Immunity; Natural habitat.