Seasonal Changes in Trace-Element Content in the Coat of Hucul Horses
Karolina Jachimowicz-Rogowska,
Jadwiga Topczewska,
Wanda Krupa,
Marcin Bajcar,
Małgorzata Kwiecień,
Anna Winiarska-Mieczan
Affiliations
Karolina Jachimowicz-Rogowska
Department of Bromatology and Food Physiology, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Str. 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Jadwiga Topczewska
Department of Animal Production and Poultry Products Evaluation, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Zelwerowicza Str. 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Wanda Krupa
Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Str. 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Marcin Bajcar
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Ćwiklińskiej St. 2D, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Małgorzata Kwiecień
Department of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Str. 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Anna Winiarska-Mieczan
Department of Bromatology and Food Physiology, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Str. 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
The purpose of the study was to evaluate seasonal changes in selected trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Al in the coat of healthy Hucul horses kept in south-eastern Poland in two different facilities and fed with locally sourced feed. The coat for the study was collected from 24 individuals in autumn, winter, and spring. The concentration of elements in the feed was also determined. The date of collection had a significant effect on the concentration of the micronutrients analysed in the coat of Hucul horses. The highest concentration of Zn was found in the coat taken in summer. The coat taken in autumn had the highest concentrations of Fe, Cu, Mn, and Al compared with the other seasons. The highest concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Al were found in fur taken in winter, with the lowest levels of Zn. Positive correlations were found between the content of iron and manganese, iron and aluminium, and manganese and aluminium in the coat of Hucul horses. A clear inter-individual and inter-stable variability was found, which may indicate the need for further research that also takes into account other factors.
