Primary Investigator:
Dr. Robert Van Saun
Contributing Investigators:
Walter Cottrell, Carolyn M. Burns
Project Brochure [PDF]
Project Description:
The objectives of this study are to establish diagnostic reference values for interpreting elk hepatic trace mineral concentrations and assess copper status relative to reclaimed stripmine grazing.
Objectives:
The
objectives of this study are to establish diagnostic reference values
for interpreting elk hepatic trace mineral concentrations and assess
copper status relative to reclaimed stripmine grazing. Reclaimed
stripmines often have high concentrations of molybdenum, sulfur and
manganese in the soils, which can compromise dietary copper
availability and animal copper status. This may place grazing ruminant
animals at risk for subclinical or clinical copper deficiency diseases.
There is also potential for exposure to various heavy metals that may
induce secondary deficiency or primary toxicity disease conditions.
Concentration of 17 minerals, spanning essential and potentially toxic
elements, will be measured by ICP/MS in all liver samples collected
from hunter harvested elk. Population statistics will be used to
establish elk hepatic mineral criteria. These data will be compared to
laboratory reference values for liver minerals of other ruminants, and
elk if available, to determine potential disease risk concerns. Data
collected for this study will not only provide insights to the general
nutritional health of the Pennsylvania elk population, but can be used
to generate diagnostic information in assessing nutritional status of
elk, both wild and farmed. Information gained from this study may also
provide insights to potential nutritional concerns for other
agricultural species that may be managed on or near reclaimed
stripmines.
