A study of serum mineral, antioxidant capacity, and hematobiochemical parameters in horses with pica in China

Abstract

Pica is defined as abnormal appetite or consumption of nonnutritive substances inappropriate for development. There is no consensus on the etiology of pica in animals. The present study investigated the status of serum minerals together with the hematological and biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes in horses with and without pica. Eight horses with pica and eight healthy horses were used in the study. The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, the calcium/phosphorus ratio, and the copper/zinc ratio were lower in the pica group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, CAT and MDA levels were significantly higher in the pica group (P < 0.05), whereas the T-SOD level was decreased (P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between serum copper and T-SOD levels, between copper and total protein, and between iron and RBC. The serum levels of AST and ALT were higher in pica horses (P < 0.05), and the value of MCHC was lower in pica horses than that of control group (P < 0.05). Consequently, the serum imbalance of calcium and phosphorus, accompanied by iron and copper deficiency, may play a vital role in the pica horses studied. Mineral deficiency exerts its harmful effects on the organism with adverse effects on antioxidant capacity, leading to the pica. These effects should be kept in mind to use mineral supplements and antioxidants to prevent pica of horses.