Heavy metal concentration in coat hair and hoof horn in stabled and reserve Polish Konik horses.

The research focuses on studying the levels of six heavy metals (chromium, manganese, copper, cadmium, lead, and nickel) in the hair and hoofs of Polish Konik horses cared for in either housed stabling or in a reserve in Roztocze National Park, Poland. The study found that the horses are not at higher risk of heavy metal contamination in either care setting and the levels of these metals are generally too low to show any significant impact of how the horse is kept, season, or age on the metal concentration. Some specific variations – within safe limits – were noted in certain metals in different seasons, horse care systems or ages.

Research Method

• The research involved a thorough investigation of 107 samples, which were collected from the hair and hooves of the horses.
• To ensure comprehensive analysis, the researchers sampled all available feed and water sources provided for the horses in both stabled and reserve settings.
• The effect of different seasons (summer and winter) and the age of the horses were accounted for in the analysis.

Research Findings

• In general, the concentration of the heavy metals in the hair, hooves, feed, and water was found to be low. Such levels were insufficient to show any potential influence brought about by horse-keeping method, season, or age.
• The reserve horses were not more prone to heavy metal contamination compared to the ones that were stabled, contradicting common belief.
• Manganese levels in the hair of the horses were impacted by the method of management during feeding seasons. In winter, these levels were higher, particularly in the housed horses, as compared to summer.
• In the hooves of the horses, chromium concentration was determined to be higher in the stabled horses in comparison to the reserve ones, while copper content was higher in the reserve horses.
• The amounts of manganese and copper in hair and hooves respectively showed age-related variations.

Implications and Recommendations

• Despite the minimal levels of heavy metals, the research indicates a need for supplementing the diet of the horses with copper compounds in both care settings.
• This finding emerges from the noted drop in copper level serving as a pointer to the necessity of dietary additions.
• The research contributes to knowledge about the potential impact of the horse management system and other factors, like season and age, on the levels of heavy metals in the body.