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-vis 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. Fortysix apparently healthy horses in Ibadan Polo Club, Ibadan, Nigeria were used for the 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 significant differences in the levels of Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), 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. Values of Fe, I, Si, Mo and Cr were significantly higher in young horses compared to adult horses. Conclusively, significant variations were observed in the minerals and trace elements values regarding breed, sex and age of Horses in Ibadan Polo Club, Nigeria. Provision of regular supplement of minerals lick and trace elements advised especially for Cross-bred, Stallion and adult horses in Ibadan Polo Club.