A comparison of the mineral composition of milk of domestic and captive wild equids (Equus przewalski, E. zebra, E. burchelli, E. caballus, E. assinus).

This study compared the mineral composition of milk from various domestic and wild horses and zebras at different stages of lactation. It found that while the overall mineral composition was similar among all species, there were notable differences, particularly in the content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

Collection of Milk Samples

• The researchers collected milk samples from different horse and zebra species during early and late lactation stages. These species include Przewalski horses, Hartmann’s zebras, Grant’s zebras, domestic horses, ponies, and a mule mare impregnated via embryo transfer.

Comparison of Mineral Composition

• The collected milk samples were compared for their content of total solids, ash, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, and iron.
• It was found that the milk from the Przewalski horses, Hartmann’s zebras, and the domestic horses had a similar mineral composition.
• There was a difference in the concentration of minerals when the lactation stage — early and late — was accounted for. The concentration of minerals was found to be higher in the early stages compared to the late stages of lactation.

Differences in Calcium, Phosphorus, and Zinc Content

• Milk from the domestic mule had the lowest concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc among all studied species.

Differences in Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium Content

• Even though the mule milk had low levels of some minerals, it had the highest concentration of magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
• Interestingly, milk from the Grant’s zebras was different from other species in terms of its sodium and potassium content. Specifically, the zebra milk contained more sodium than potassium, unlike the milk from other species where potassium concentration was found to be higher than sodium’s.

In summary, this research provided valuable insight into the mineral composition of milk from different horse and zebra species, revealing the variations in levels of specific minerals during different stages of lactation.