Causes of Parakeratosis in Buffalo Calves in Sharkia Governorate and Treatment Trial

The study investigated the effects of parakeratosis on buffalo calves and tested treatments involving mineral mixtures and Nigella sativa seeds. Thirty-five calves were studied, with 20 used for treatment trials. Calves with parakeratosis showed alopecia and skin issues, along with altered hematobiochemical parameters, including reduced RBCs and increased serum lipids. Treatment with mineral mixtures, with or without Nigella sativa, improved skin conditions and normalized hematobiochemical markers. The study concluded that zinc deficiency is a primary cause of parakeratosis, and supplementation can effectively mitigate clinical signs and biochemical alterations.