Influences of the Seasons of the Year and Physiographic Regions on the Levels of Calcium, Copper and Zinc in the Hoof Capsule of Foals Pre- and Postweaning Raised in Native Pasture.

The research explores how seasonal changes and different regions impact the levels of calcium, copper, and zinc in the hoofs of Criollo foals pre- and post-weaning, showing a correlation with the concentration of these substances in soil and pasture.

Study Design and Sample

• The study used a sample of 41 preweaning foals and 28 postweaning foals for the evaluation.
• The concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the hoof capsule of these foals were measured and analyzed.
• Additionally, the soil and pasture from five different physiographic regions (Santa Maria, Dilermando de Aguiar, Jaguarão, Arroio Grande, and Pelotas) were examined. These samples were collected in four different seasons to account for fluctuation in nutritional composition due to seasonal changes.

Findings

• The study identified significant variations in the concentration of Ca, Cu, and Zn in the hooves of foals depending on the region and season.
• The Ca levels in preweaning and postweaning stages showed no association with the forage present in the distinct physiographic regions.
• However, Cu and Zn concentrations were found to have a positive correlation with native pastures across different physiographic regions in the preweaning stage.
• Interestingly, in the postweaning phase, only Cu showed a positive association.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that both the season of the year and the geographic area affect the levels of Ca, Cu, and Zn in the hoof capsule of foals and their native pastures, both before and after weaning.
• This understanding could be significant in shaping strategies for better health and development of foals, by factoring in the changes in the chemical concentrations due to seasonal and regional variations.