For assessment of the changes associated with induced copper deficiency in goats, mature castrated male Baladi goats (n=16) aged 1-1.5 years old and weighted 15-20 kg randomized into 2 groups: Group I (n=6) were apparently healthy (control) and Group II (n=10) were subjected to experimental induction of secondary copper deficiency by dietary supplementation of molybdenum (MO; 10-40 mg/kg dry matter) and Sulpher (S; 1.5-3 g/kg dry matter) daily for 24 weeks. Blood samples (serum and whole blood) were collected every 6 weeks (w) for determination of serum copper, iron and zinc levels, ceruloplasmin activity and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Results showed that hypocuperimic goats had changes in hair color and texture (at the 9th w), paleness of the conjunctival mucous membrane (at the 18th w), emaciation and loss of body condition (at the 24th w). Hypocupermic goats showed a significant (P |
