[Preliminary study of the effect of supplementation of iron, copper, cobalt and zinc on cellulolytic activity in the cecum of the pony].

The research presents a preliminary study on how the supplementation of minerals such as iron, copper, cobalt, and zinc can affect the microbial activity in the caecum of a pony. The study reveals that except for zinc, other minerals do not significantly modify the microbial activity.

Objective of the Research

• The goal of this study was to identify any mineral elements that, when deficient, might decrease microbial activity in the pony’s caecum. The researchers were specifically interested in how the supplementation of iron, cobalt, copper, and zinc would affect this activity.

Research Methodology

• The research involved a pony with a caecum cannula, an implanted device used to obtain continuous or periodic measurements from the caecum.
• The pony was fed hay ad libitum – meaning it was offered food freely without any restrictions.
• The effects of adding different amounts of minerals to the pony’s feed were observed over four successive one-month periods. Specifically, 50 mg of iron, 1 mg of cobalt, 40 mg of copper, and 200 mg of zinc were added, respectively.
• Cellulolytic activity was measured using the nylon bag technique, while pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-nitrogen), total nitrogen and volatile fatty acid production were also monitored to assess microbial activity change.

Findings of the Research

• The study found that the addition of zinc significantly reduced cellulolytic activity in the caecum.
• However, the introduction of the other minerals – iron, copper, and cobalt – had no significant impact on this activity. This suggests that the endogenous (internal) secretion of these minerals in the pre-caecal part of the pony’s digestive system was adequate for promoting good symbiosis between the microbial population in the caecum and other parts of the organism.