Effect of method of oral administration of zinc sulphate on acute zinc toxicity in the sheep

Abstract

When solutions of zinc sulphate are administered to sheep by drenching gun (100 and 50 mg Zn/kg/day) the toxicity of zinc is markedly enhanced. Using a drenching gun method, severe lesions of the abomasum are encountered, serum and organ zinc levels are increased, pancreatic damage is severe, and even death may occur using doses which are apparently non‐toxic when delivered by intraruminal intubation. It is suggested that the stimulation of the reticular groove by zinc is responsible for the exacerbation of toxicity when zinc sulphate is delivered by drenching gun.