Copper and zinc deficiencies treatement by intramuscular injections in sheep.

In two experiments, compared to 10 control, 10 ewes were injected intramuscularly either with metallic copper dust or zinc oxide, suspended in purified olive oil. Copper injection raised the plasma and hepatic copper of the treated ewes. Similarly, injected zinc oxide produced a rise in plasma zinc. These increases started respectively on the 6th and 3rd day after the injection and lasted till the 21st or 17th day. No detrimental inflammation appeared. This form of treatment is therefore efficient against trace element deficiencies without any side effect.