Research Article

Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region

Volume: 14 Number: 2 December 24, 2025
EN TR

Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the serum copper and zinc levels in healthy and footrot-affected sheep in the Şanlıurfa region and investigate the relationship between these parameters and the presence of the disease. Footrot is an infectious foot disease that develops in the interdigital region of the foot and affects the skin and corium ungulae. It is characterized by necrosis, inflammation, and contagious properties. The study material consisted of 10 Akkaraman and 10 Awassi sheep clinically diagnosed with footrot (footrot group), as well as an equal number of clinically healthy animals from the same breeds, which served as the control group. Serum copper and zinc levels were measured and recorded from blood samples collected from all sheep. When the data were analyzed independently of breed, serum copper and zinc levels were significantly lower in the footrot group compared to the control group (P<0.001). When analyzed independently of disease status, no significant difference was observed in serum copper and zinc levels between Awassi and Akkaraman sheep (P>0.05). When all variables were evaluated, serum copper and zinc levels in footrot-affected Awassi and Akkaraman sheep were significantly lower than in healthy individuals (P<0.001). These results indicate a significant relationship between footrot and deficiencies in serum zinc and copper levels. Regardless of disease status, trace element levels did not significantly differ between breeds. Overall, serum copper and zinc levels were markedly lower in footrot-affected Awassi and Akkaraman sheep in the Şanlıurfa region.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no financial support from any funding agency, commercial or not-for-profit organization.

Project Number

2021/23027

Ethical Statement

Before the study, official permission was obtained from the Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry (Letter No. E-59855012-280.01.01-936647, dated 23.03.2021), and the livestock owners signed informed consent forms. The study was conducted with the approval of the Harran University Local Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments (Decision No. 2021/004/03, dated 07.05.2021).

Thanks

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Akçakale District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry for their valuable support and contributions to the execution of this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Surgery

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 24, 2025

Submission Date

September 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 14 Number: 2

APA
Başa, A., Kulualp, K., & Polat Dinçer, P. F. (2025). Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region. Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 14(2), 130-136. https://doi.org/10.31196/huvfd.1779791
AMA
1.Başa A, Kulualp K, Polat Dinçer PF. Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region. Harran Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2025;14(2):130-136. doi:10.31196/huvfd.1779791
Chicago
Başa, Alper, Kadri Kulualp, and Pelin Fatoş Polat Dinçer. 2025. “Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep With Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region”. Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 14 (2): 130-36. https://doi.org/10.31196/huvfd.1779791.
EndNote
Başa A, Kulualp K, Polat Dinçer PF (December 1, 2025) Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region. Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 14 2 130–136.
IEEE
[1]A. Başa, K. Kulualp, and P. F. Polat Dinçer, “Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region”, Harran Univ Vet Fak Derg, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 130–136, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.31196/huvfd.1779791.
ISNAD
Başa, Alper - Kulualp, Kadri - Polat Dinçer, Pelin Fatoş. “Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep With Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region”. Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 14/2 (December 1, 2025): 130-136. https://doi.org/10.31196/huvfd.1779791.
JAMA
1.Başa A, Kulualp K, Polat Dinçer PF. Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region. Harran Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2025;14:130–136.
MLA
Başa, Alper, et al. “Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep With Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region”. Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, vol. 14, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 130-6, doi:10.31196/huvfd.1779791.
Vancouver
1.Alper Başa, Kadri Kulualp, Pelin Fatoş Polat Dinçer. Investigation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Sheep with Foot Rot in Şanlıurfa Region. Harran Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2025 Dec. 1;14(2):130-6. doi:10.31196/huvfd.1779791