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Environmental monitoring and assessment2011; 184(4); 2031-2043; doi: 10.1007/s10661-011-2097-4

Pasture composition in a trace element-contaminated area: the particular case of Fe and Cd for grazing horses.

Abstract: Pasture selection by livestock is an essential topic for rangeland management, especially in trace element-contaminated soils. We have studied the composition (nutrients and trace elements) of a grass-based diet from soils affected by a mine spill at different growth stages (October 2008 to May 2009). A diet based on other plants (mainly Compositae species) was also studied (May 2009) for comparison. Faeces and mane hair of horses feeding on these pastures were also analysed. Micronutrient (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and potentially toxic trace element (As, Cd, Pb, Tl) concentrations were below the maximum tolerable levels (MTL) for horses, except for Fe (at early growth of pastures) and Cd (in the diet based on 'other' plants). Values of potential ingestion of Fe by horses were higher than 10 mg kg body weight(- 1) day(- 1). Cadmium concentrations in some pasture samples (those composed of Compositae species) were higher than 3 mg kg(- 1). Potential toxicity of such Cd levels in pastures is uncertain, since a high disparity of criteria about MTL by cattle exists (between 0.5 and 10 mg kg(- 1) diet). Nutrient concentrations were adequate for horses, which could counteract possible harmful effects derived from trace element ingestion. The analyses of excreta and mane hair point to the low risk of toxicity derived from the consumption of these contaminated pastures. However, the ingestion of regenerating pastures (autumnal samples) should be avoided due to the greater risk of ingestion of contaminated soil attached to the plant material. Management of these pastures by grazing requires periodic monitoring. Special attention should be given to Fe and particularly Cd (non-essential element) which accumulates in animal organs, where it could provoke uncertain long-term effects.
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Publication Date: 2011-05-14 PubMed ID: 21573712DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2097-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study analyzes the nutrient and trace element composition of pastures in areas affected by mine-induced soil contamination, and its effect on the health and diet of grazing horses. It highlights that while most elements were below maximum tolerable levels for horses, they exceeded such levels for Iron in early grass growth and Cadmium in certain plant-based diets, necessitating careful management and periodic monitoring of these pastures.

Context and Aims

  • This research delves into the impact of soil contamination (due to mine spills) on the nutrient and trace element composition of grass and other plant-based horse diets.
  • The study seeks to understand how these contaminations could potentially affect the health of horses and rangeland management practices.

    • Methodology

    • The researchers observed the composition of grass-based and other plant-based diets at different growth stages from October 2008 to May 2009.
    • They also analyzed the feces and mane hair of horses grazing in these contaminated pastures.

    Findings

    • Essential micronutrients and potentially toxic elements were found in concentrations below the maximum tolerable levels (MTL) for horses, except for Iron and Cadmium.
    • Iron concentrations were higher in the early growth stages of grass, with potential amounts of iron ingested by horses exceeding 10mg per kg body weight per day.
    • Plant-based diets with Compositae species had Cadmium concentrations exceeding 3mg per kg, potentially toxic. However, this uncertainty is linked to the lack of uniform criteria about MTL for Cadmium in cattle diets (ranges from 0.5 to 10mg per kg).
    • Nutrient concentrations were found to be suitable for horses, potentially acting as a buffer against harmful effects from trace element ingestion.
    • Analysis of horse feces and mane hair suggested a low risk of toxicity from consumption of these pastures.

    Recommendations and Conclusion

    • Avoiding the ingestion of regenerating pastures during autumn due to a higher risk of consuming contaminated soil attached to plants.
    • Pastures in contaminated areas must be managed cautiously and need periodic monitoring, especially for Iron and Cadmium, which tend to accumulate in animal organs, potentially causing uncertain long-term effects.

Cite This Article

APA
Madejón P, Domínguez MT, Murillo JM. (2011). Pasture composition in a trace element-contaminated area: the particular case of Fe and Cd for grazing horses. Environ Monit Assess, 184(4), 2031-2043. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2097-4

Publication

Environmental monitoring and assessment
ISSN: 1573-2959
NlmUniqueID: 8508350
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 184
Issue: 4
Pages: 2031-2043

Researcher Affiliations

Madejón, Paula
  • Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC., PO Box 1052, 41080, Sevilla, Spain. pmadejon@irnase.csic.es
Domínguez, Maria T
    Murillo, Jose M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Cadmium / analysis
      • Environmental Monitoring
      • Feces / chemistry
      • Hair / chemistry
      • Herbivory
      • Horses
      • Lead / analysis
      • Plants / chemistry
      • Spain
      • Trace Elements / analysis

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 2 times.
      1. Gramss G, Voigt KD. Forage and rangeland plants from uranium mine soils: long-term hazard to herbivores and livestock?. Environ Geochem Health 2014 Jun;36(3):441-52.
        doi: 10.1007/s10653-013-9572-5pubmed: 24096941google scholar: lookup
      2. Halo M Jr, Kirchner R, Tirpák F, Slanina T, Tokárová K, Kováčik A, Miškeje M, Greń A, Formicki G, Halo M, Madeddu R, Massányi P. Essential and risk elements in horses affect haematology, serum biochemistry and oxidative status parameters. Sci Rep 2025 Jan 28;15(1):3489.
        doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-87908-6pubmed: 39875518google scholar: lookup
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