Cobalt hepatic concentration in goats and sheep raised in Pernambuco Sertão, Brazil

Cobalt (Co) is a very important mineral in animal metabolism, mainly for the synthesis of vitamin B12. The objective of this study was to assess the hepatic concentration of Co in goats and sheep in the wilderness of the State of Pernambuco, taking into account factors of seasonality, species and sex. It was observed that hepatic concentrations of Co are at adequate levels and were not influenced by the seasonal period, species and sex. The data serve as a reference for the diagnosis on Co in these species created in the wilderness Pernambucano, but more research is necessary, since the region is known to present animals with several deficiencies of macro and microminerals.