BLOOD MINERALS AS A POTENTIAL RISK FACTOR FOR GENITAL PROLAPSE IN EGYPTIAN BUFFALOES

This study examines the concentrations of certain macro- and micro-minerals in the blood serum of Egyptian buffaloes with genital prolapse and compares them with those of non-prolapsed postpartum buffaloes in the Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. The investigation included forty-five buffaloes from some Menoufia veterinary units; fifteen non-prolapsed buffaloes served as the control group. In comparison, the remaining thirty buffaloes exhibited signs of genital prolapse (15 buffaloes with uterine prolapse and another 15 with vaginal prolapse). Blood samples were collected, and blood Serum analysis included macro-minerals such as Ca, P, and Mg. In contrast, micro included Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, and Fe. The findings revealed a significant reduction in serum macro-mineral levels in prolapsed buffaloes compared to controls (P < 0.01). Ca concentrations were 6.22 and 10.98 mg/dL, P concentrations were 2.60 and 5.60 mg/dL, and Mg concentrations were 1.30 and 2.50 mg/dL in the prolapsed animals versus the control group, respectively. Levels of Cu, Se, Zn, Mn, and Fe were also markedly lower in the prolapsed group (P<0.05). Concentrations of Cu were 73.45 ±1.52 vs. 59.95 ±1.41μg/dL, Zn were 171.45 ±2.71 vs. 122.45 ±3.16 μg/dL, Fe were 366.05 ±2.85 vs. 349.60 ±4.73 μg/dL, Mn were 5.33±1.05 vs. 5.13 ±0.91 μg/dL, and Se were 0.14 ±0.05 vs. 0.11 ±0.06 μg/dL in non-prolapsed and prolapsed animals, respectively.  Interestingly, buffaloes suffering from vaginal prolapse exhibited higher Ca levels compared to those with uterine prolapse (P<0.05). However, buffaloes with vaginal prolapse exhibited higher Zn levels compared to those with uterine prolapse (P<0.05).   Deficiencies in Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Se may contribute to the development of genital prolapse in Egyptian buffaloes