Zinc Deficiency in Rhesus and Bonnet Monkeys, Including Effects on Reproduction

Zinc deficiency was experimentally induced in rhesus and bonnet monkeys by feeding them a diet with isolated soybean protein, leading to reduced plasma zinc levels within 7 to 14 days. This deficiency caused dermal lesions, alopecia, and reduced hair zinc concentration, particularly in bonnet monkeys. Zinc supplementation quickly reversed these symptoms, although hair zinc levels remained lower than in controls. Zinc deficiency impaired reproduction, with one pregnant rhesus monkey aborting and bonnet monkeys failing to conceive, eventually ceasing menstrual cycles. Normal reproduction was maintained with a zinc-supplemented diet.