Micro Minerals in Animal Production and Health – Iron and Copper

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which protein is primarily responsible for oxygen transport in the body?
a) Myoglobin
b) Ferritin
c) Haemoglobin
d) Transferrin
Answer: c) Haemoglobin

2. What mechanism limits iron absorption when the body has sufficient stores?
a) Enzymatic inhibition
b) Mucosal block theory
c) Hormonal regulation
d) Iron recycling system
Answer: b) Mucosal block theory

3. Which symptom is NOT associated with iron deficiency in piglets?
a) Pale mucous membranes
b) Labored breathing
c) Thick eggshells
d) Poor growth
Answer: c) Thick eggshells

4. What is a key function of copper in connective tissue formation?
a) Activates lysyl oxidase for cross-linking elastin and collagen
b) Converts iron to transferrin
c) Increases ATP production in cells
d) Stimulates melanin synthesis in fur
Answer: a) Activates lysyl oxidase for cross-linking elastin and collagen

5. Which of the following species has the lowest tolerance for copper?
a) Sheep
b) Pigs
c) Poultry
d) Cattle
Answer: a) Sheep

6. What mineral interaction reduces copper absorption in the rumen?
a) Copper-sodium interaction
b) Copper-molybdenum-sulphur interaction
c) Copper-iron interaction
d) Copper-zinc interaction
Answer: b) Copper-molybdenum-sulphur interaction

7. Which enzyme depends on copper for melanin production?
a) Lysyl oxidase
b) Tyrosinase
c) Catalase
d) Cytochrome oxidase
Answer: b) Tyrosinase

8. What dietary source is rich in iron for animal feed?
a) Cereal grains
b) Meat and blood meal
c) Ground limestone
d) Salt licks
Answer: b) Meat and blood meal

9. What is the recommended dietary copper level for dairy cattle?
a) 5 ppm
b) 6 ppm
c) 10 ppm
d) 20 ppm
Answer: c) 10 ppm

10. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of copper deficiency in lambs?
a) Swayback
b) Depigmentation of wool
c) Convulsions
d) Stringy wool
Answer: c) Convulsions

True or False

1. Iron deficiency is rare in lambs and calves because they have better reserves at birth.
Answer: True

2. Copper is essential for the synthesis of haemoglobin.
Answer: True

3. Sheep have a high tolerance for copper intake compared to pigs and cattle.
Answer: False

4. Iron absorption is regulated by the mucosal block mechanism, preventing overload.
Answer: True

5. Excess copper in the diet can cause liver necrosis and jaundice.
Answer: True

Fill in the Blanks

1. __________ and __________ are storage forms of iron in the body, found in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Answer: Ferritin, haemosiderin

2. The enzyme __________, which is copper-dependent, is involved in melanin production.
Answer: Tyrosinase

3. A common symptom of iron deficiency anemia in piglets is __________ breathing, also known as “thumps.”
Answer: labored

4. Chronic copper poisoning in sheep can lead to __________ and death from hepatic coma.
Answer: jaundice

5. The interaction of copper, molybdenum, and sulphur in the rumen leads to the formation of __________, reducing copper absorption.
Answer: thiomolybdate

Subjective Questions

1. Discuss the functions and deficiency symptoms of iron in animals, particularly in young piglets.
Answer:

• Functions:
  • Iron is critical for oxygen transport (haemoglobin) and oxygen storage (myoglobin).
  • It is a component of enzymes involved in the electron transport chain and oxidative reactions.
• Deficiency Symptoms in Piglets:
  • Poor growth and appetite.
  • Labored, spasmodic breathing (“thumps”).
  • Pale mucous membranes due to anemia.
  • Piglets are especially vulnerable due to low iron reserves at birth and limited iron in sow’s milk.
• Prevention:
  • Provide iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulphate, iron dextran injections).
  • Allow soil access in pens to naturally increase iron intake.

2. Explain the role of copper in animal health, its deficiency symptoms, and potential risks of excess copper.
Answer:

• Role:
  • Copper is essential for enzyme functions (e.g., ceruloplasmin, cytochrome oxidase).
  • It supports connective tissue formation, pigmentation, and neural health.
• Deficiency Symptoms:
  • Anemia due to impaired iron absorption.
  • Depigmentation of hair and wool, reduced wool crimp.
  • Swayback (enzootic ataxia) in lambs, causing neurological issues.
  • Reproductive problems such as infertility in cattle.
• Excess Risks:
  • Chronic copper poisoning leads to liver necrosis, jaundice, appetite loss, and death.
  • Sheep are particularly sensitive, with toxicity occurring at >40 mg/kg dietary copper.