PREVENTION OF OVINE LUPINOSIS BY THE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ZINC SULPHATE AND THE EFFECT OF SUCH THERAPY ON LIVER AND PANCREAS ZINC AND LIVER COPPER

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Abstract
Three experiments were conducted using Merino wethers to investigate if oral administration of zinc sulfate would provide protection against the liver damage that occurs in lupinosis. At the same time, the effect of this Zn therapy on liver and pancreas Zn, and liver Cu concentrations was studied. The Zn therapy caused increases in liver and pancreas Zn concentrations, and a drop in the liver Cu concentration. Administration of the toxins of Phomopsis leptostromiformis with Zn increased the magnitude of these changes. Administration of 0.5 g Zn or greater per day, as zinc sulfate, reduced the liver damage caused by the toxins of P. leptostromiformis. The degree of liver protection provided by the Zn therapy varied both between animals within treatments and between treatments in different experiments. Zn toxicity was encountered.