Zinc (with special reference to Hedgehogs, Elephants and Great Apes)

• Zinc: bluish-white, fairly hard and brittle. (B125, B264)

• Zinc acetate: white crystals or granules, slightly efflorescent, with a faint acetous odour. (B263)

• Zinc sulphate: colourless granular powder, small needles or transparent prisms. Odourless but with an astringent metallic taste. (B263)

• 419.58°C. (B264)

• 907°C. (B264)

• Zinc acetate: 1 g soluble in 2.5 ml of water. (B263)
• Zinc sulphate: 1.67 g soluble in 1 ml of water. (B263)

• Zinc acetate: 1 g soluble in 30 ml alcohol (B263)
• Zinc sulphate: insoluble in alcohol. (B263)

• Zinc (Zn) is often acquired in excess from e.g. galvanized wire, fence clips and zinc-containing coins. May also be ingested in plants growing in areas contaminated with zinc e.g. from mining operations (J40.36.w2).

Associated Techniques

• As a nutritional supplement. (B263)
• For reduction of copper toxicity in breeds of dog susceptible to copper toxicity. (B263)
• In the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in dogs. (B263)
• Topically (zinc sulphate) as an astringent. (B263)
• Topically (zinc sulphate) as a weak antiseptic (dermatological and ophthalmic uses). (B263)

• Absorption of dietary zinc occurs mainly from the duodenum and ileum, with about 20-30% of dietary zinc absorbed. (B263)

• Stored mainly in red blood cells and leucocytes. Also found in muscle, skin, bone, retina, pancreas, liver, kidney, prostate. (B263)
• Found in all body tissues, with high concentrations in skin, hair and wool. Accumulation in bones rather than in the liver. (B265.6.w6)

• Mainly via the faeces. Reabsorption of zinc from the faeces may occur in the colon. (B263)
• Also excreted by the kidneys. (B263)
• Also excreted in sweat. (B263)

• Large doses may inhibit absorption of copper in the intestine. (B263)
• Oral tetracycline may be chelated by zinc salts, reducing its absorption; doses should be separated by two hours or more. (B263)
• Fluroquinolone (e.g. enrofloxacin) absorption may be reduced by zinc salts. (B263)
• Absorption may be inhibited by penicillamine. (B263)
• Absorption may be inhibited by ursidiol. (B263)

• Zinc sulphate injection. (B263)
• Zinc sulphate oral tablets. (B263)
• Zinc sulphate oral capsules. (B263)
• Zinc acetate: from chemical supply houses. (B263)
• Zinc oxide: ointment .(B125)

• Two grams of zinc carbonate orally per elephant per day. (P1.1989.w4)
  • Within two weeks of starting the oral supplementation the elephant showed a dramatic improvement of the clinical signs (hyperkeratosis and recurrent development of vesiculobullae above the toenails - see: Zinc Deficiency (with special reference to Waterfowl and Elephants)). (P1.1989.w4)

Great Apes

• Adult Pan troglodytes - Chimpanzee: 1.75 mg tablet twice daily as required. (W768.Jun2012.w1)
• Primates: 2.5 micrograms per day for three days. (D425.3.15.w3o)

• Care must be taken if administering to patients with copper deficiency. (B263)
• Adequate, well-controlled studies of the use of zinc supplementation during pregnancy have not been performed. (B263)

• Gastro-intestinal disturbances may be seen with large doses. (B263)
• Haematological abnormalities, usually haemolysis, may be seen if large doses are given or if serum levels exceed 1000 micrograms per decilitre, particularly if there is also a copper deficiency. (B263)
• Excessive amounts in the diet may reduce feed consumption. (B265.6.w6)

• Haemolytic anaemia. (B263)
• Hypotension. (B263)
• Jaundice. (B263)
• Vomiting. (B263)
• Pulmonary oedema. (B263)
• Suggested treatments include removal of the source of zinc, dilution with water or milk and chelation therapy (see: Calcium EDTA). (B263)

Zinc Toxicity

• Zinc (Zn) is often acquired in excess from e.g. galvanized wire, fence clips and zinc-containing coins. It may also be ingested in plants growing in areas contaminated with zinc e.g. from mining operations (J40.36.w2).

--

• Animal products such as red meat, poultry, milk, eggs. (B120.5.w5, B265.6.w6); 30-250 ppm (dry matter). (B120.5.w5)
• Plants, but availability decreased due to complexing with phytates (inositol hexaphosphoric acid), particularly in seeds. (B120.5.w5)
• In cereal grains zinc is concentrated in the bran and germ. (B265.6.w6)
• Yeast. (B265.6.w6)
• Solubilised form from galvanized pails, pipes, troughs. (B120.5.w5)
• Supplements are available in the form of zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc sulphate. (B120.5.w5)

• Many physiological processes are dependent on zinc, including cell growth and division (particularly nucleic acid metabolism), vision, night vision, wound healing, immune responses, taste acuity and sexual maturation and reproduction. (B263, B265.6.w6)
• Zinc is a trace element required as a constituent of the enzymes carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase, RNA polymerase, alcohol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, thimidine kinase, pancreatic carbopeptidase), and is also necessary for the activation of many other enzymes (more than 200 metalloenzymes require zinc for proper function). It is essential for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins (B32.2.w23, B120.5.w5, B263, B265.6.w6, B264).

• 60 ppm zinc in feed recommended allowance for Pekin ducks (B13.46.w1).
• Suggested minimum for birds in general 45-55 ppm (B16.19.w1, B35.13.w6).
• Typically 10-70 ppm (dry matter). (B120.5.w5)

Elephants:

• Zinc supplement in feed to provide a daily intake of 53.6 mg/kg on a dry matter basis. (B450.9.w9, P1.1989.w4)

Diseases associated with zinc deficiency include:

• Zinc Deficiency in Waterfowl (with special reference to Elephants)
• Congenital Abnormalities in Waterfowl

• Phytates can chelate zinc and in alkaline pH may form insoluble complexes. (B263)
• Reduced dietary availability in the presence of high levels of calcium. (B120.5.w5, B265.6.w6)
• In excess may interferer with copper metabolism and iron metabolism. (B120.5.w5)
• Elevated tissue levels may be protective against elevated cadmium and mercury. (B20.11.w8)

--

--