Minerals and Trace Elements Profile of Apparently Healthy Horses in Ibadan ‎Polo Club, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Roles of trace elements and minerals in the overall performance, health and wellbeing of horses cannot be underestimated vis a viz deleterious effects on normal functioning of living organisms posed by prolonged exposure to toxic metals. We evaluated the levels of some minerals and trace elements and compared these parameters among different breed, age and gender. Forty-six apparently healthy horses in Ibadan Polo Club, Ibadan, Nigeria were used for this study. Minerals and trace elements analyses were performed using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) (Varian Vista Pro®, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., California, USA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Varian 820 MS®, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., California, USA). Student’s T-test was applied to establish differences in the values of minerals and trace elements in relation to breed, gender, and age. The results revealed statistically significant differences in the levels of Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), and Iodine (I) and in the level of Silicon (Si), Chromium (Cr), and Iridium (Ir) in minerals and trace elements respectively with significantly higher values in Sudanese compared to Cross-bred horses. Mg, Fe, I, Cr, and Ir values were significantly higher in Mares compared to Stallion. Fe, I, Si, Mo and Cr values were significantly higher in young horses than in adult horses. Conclusively, significant variations were observed in the minerals and trace elements values regarding breed, sex, and age of Horses in Nigeria. Regular supplements of minerals lick and trace elements are advised especially for Cross-bred, Stallion, and adult horses.