Effect of peroral copper supplementation on selected haematological indicators of horses

JANCIKOVA, P., HORKÝ, P., ZEMAN, L. , MARES, P.: Eff ect of peroral copper supplementation on selected haematological indicators of horses. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun. , 2011, LIX, No. 5, pp. 119–124 The purpose of our work was to assess the impact of copper on selected haematological indicators of horse. The trial was performed at the Boudky – Velke Němcice farm. The total number of 23 mares was divided into three groups that were subjected to diff erent mineral feeding modes. The experiment duration was 14 days and the blood samples were taken 1st, 7th and 14th day of experiment. The obtained results show that the enrichment of the horse feeding ration with copper changed the monitored haematological parameters values. Assessment of the changes of haematological indicators between individual trial groups fed with copper-enriched feed with the copper coming from diff erent sources showed the best results in the group with the intake of copper in the inorganic form. This group showed a statistically signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase in erythrocyte count (by 0.85 T.l−1) and haematocrit value (by 0.04 l.l−1) and a statistically signifi cant (P < 0.05) change in haemoglobin level (increasing by 8.9 g.l−1) between initial and fi nal blood sample. Although the group taking organic form of copper showed a signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase in erythrocyte count and haematocrit value in the second blood sample comparing with initial one, the fi nal sample did not corroborate this highly signifi cant correlation. The control group showed no diff erence between the initial and fi nal blood samples in any of the monitored parameters. horses, copper, organic and inorganic form, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit Haematological tests are generally used to obtain information about infectious conditions, performance issues and health of horses (Gul et al., 2007). The amount of functional and healthy erythrocytes and the high level of haemoglobin are very important for tissue oxygenation and aerobic performance of horses (Doubek et al., 2003; Jelinek et al., 2003; Hanak, 1996). Copper is an irreplaceable blood-forming element that helps to mobilise iron from liver, absorption from intestine and to bind it in hems (Zelenka and Zeman, 2006). The purpose of our work was to assess the impact of organic and inorganic form of copper on the selected haematological indicators of horse blood. MATERIAL AND METHODS The trial was realized at the Boudky – Velke Němcice farm and included 23 trial mares of the Bohemian Warmblood breed. The experiment lasted for 14 days. The horses were stabled in box stalls with feeding pump, with the access to an outdoor pen. The mares of various ages (3.6–19.8 years), similar weight categories and light workload were divided into three groups and subjected to diff erent mineral feeding modes. The mares were fed two times a day by concentrates (at 7 a. m. and 17 p. m.). In the course of the trial, all animals received the same basic feeding ration consisting of ad libitum intake to hay that was measured, 1.5 kg of wheatbarley meal and 1.0 kg of oat. Horses in groups No. 1 and 2 received additional copper (Cu) in various forms at level of 120 mg/day with their evening fodder ration. Group No. 1 (n = 8) received Cu in the organic form – proteinate (Bioplex Cu, ALLTECH), while Group No. 2 (n = 8) was fed with Cu in the inorganic form – CuSO4.5H2O, and Group No. 3 120 P. Jancikova, P. Horký, L. Zeman, P. Mares (n = 7) received fodder without the Cu enrichment and was used as a control group. Blood samples for the required analyses were taken on day 1st, 7th and 14th of the trial. The samples were taken at the same time (at 9 a. m.) and the horses were not burdened or stressed before the blood sampling. The blood was taken from the vena jugularis externa into plastic samplers with the anticoagulation solution – EDTA. Immediately a er the collection, the samples were placed in a transport cooling box in compliance with the relevant regulations governing animal trials. All haematological examinations were performed by using the ABC Vet apparatus (HORIBA ABX, France). All samples of feedstuff s were taken according Act. No. 91/1996 Coll. , and Act No. 544/2002 Coll. The obtained results were evaluated statistically by the mean diff erence test – the Student pair t-test.