Abstract
The present study is based on idea of mineral supplementation in grazing animals through selected fodder which can indirectly
reduce the threats of infections particularly of parasitic origin. To this end, correlation analysis of the trace elements including:
copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was done among feedstuffs, soils and grazing sheep. Moreover, the
mineral analysis was compared to the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites during spring 2015 in grazing sheep of Sialkot district,
Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of GI parasite species identified was 32.81%. A significant (P < 0.05) variation in the
levels of Zn, Cu, Mn and Co was recorded in a total of eight collected forages. However, their levels in soils vary insignificantly.
The results of present study indicated that, the burden of GI parasites was lower in animals having high level of Zn and Cu in
sera. The trace element-rich forages (Cichorium intybus and Cynodon dactylon) preferably Zn and Cu found effective against
parasitic infection, are advisable supplemental remedies to improve the trace element profile in grazing sheep. This mitigation
strategy may ultimately improve the resilience against GI parasitic infections especially in the resource-poor countries like
Pakistan. However, control studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of trace elements against GI parasites.
