Seasonal variation of Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se contents in Tibetan pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect the levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus(P), iron(Fe), copper(Cu), manganese(Mn), zinc(Zn) and selenium(Se) in the Tibetan pigs (>6-months-old) in Nyingchi Region(Tibet Autonomous region, P.R.China) in 2016, to discover abnormal contents of several macro- and microelements of Tibetan pigs. Liver tissue and whole blood samples were analyzed for Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se content by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The measured values were compared with reported values to discover any mineral imbalances of the Tibetan pigs. Whole blood and hepatic contents of calcium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium were significantly lower, and the phosphorus content significantly higher, than the reported values in pig bodies. The iron content in Tibetan pig liver in spring was as low as 235.50 ± 65.54 mg/kg, and the phosphorus content as high as 1537.75 ± 194.07mg/kg; significant differences were found compared to other seasons (P less than 0.05). The results indicate that mineral deficiency and imbalance was widespread in Tibetan pigs and there were seasonal effects.