Zongping Liu
College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, People’s Republic of China
ABSTRACT
A series of experimental trials on the methods of treatment and prevention of rickets and osteomalacia in Bactrian Camels (Camelus bactrianus) was carried out. The results confirmed that these diseases were mainly caused by phosphorus deficiency, which could be cured with supplementary bone meal, phosphate or mineral mixtures and out field investigations clinical signs disappeared within 15 days. Over the same period, the concentrations of phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in blood returned to normal. The disease may be effectively prevented by use of mineral blocks (block salt licks) or dosing orally with soluble glass boluses of copper, selenium and cobalt. We conclude that rickets and osteomalacia are mainly caused by phosphorus and copper deficiencies in the
pasture.
Keywords : bactrian camel, minerals, osteomalacia, phosphorus deficiency, prophylaxis, rickets, treatment
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