Trace elements are essential minerals required in small quantities for various physiological functions in horses. These elements include zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese, among others. They contribute to numerous biological processes such as enzyme function, antioxidant defense, and immune system support. The balance of trace elements is vital for maintaining metabolic processes and overall health in horses. Imbalances, whether deficiencies or excesses, can lead to health issues affecting growth, reproduction, and performance. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the role, metabolism, and impact of trace elements on equine health and nutrition.
Science (New York, N.Y.)March 4, 1966
Volume 151, Issue 3714 1085-1086 doi: 10.1126/science.151.3714.1085
Kennington GS, Ching CF.Hair samples from the horse, elk, deer, moose, and antelope; subcutaneous tissue from the moose and antelope; and cast and living skin of the rattlesnake were activated by exposure to a neutron flux. The resulting products were studied by pulse-height analysis. Differences in type and proportion of trace elements appear to be consistent within the species studied.
Aragona F, Cicero N, Nava V, Piccione G, Giannetto C, Fazio F.Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a cont...
Stahl LT, Müller A, Krohn J, Büttner K, Wehrend A.An adequate supply of trace elements is very important for equine neonates, as deficiencies can lead to health problems and even death. Unassigned: This study investigated serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in neonatal foals up to the 8th day of life. The influences of disease, age, and failure of passive transfer (FPT) on these concentrations were analyzed. Unassigned: Serum concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were determined from blood samples of 93 foals by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The foals were divided into 2 groups based on health...
