77 sows were used in a trial bristles were taken from these animals (a) on the 84th day of pregnancy, (b) on the day of gestation and (c) on the 42nd day of lactation. The average ash content of the bristles was 1.23%. It was not found to be influenced by gestation. Before gestation the Ca content of the bristles rose significantly while the Na and K content decreased (P less than 0.05). The Mg, P and Cu content of the bristles increased during lactation whereas the F content fell significantly. The concentrations of all other elements did not change significantly in the phase of pregnancy and during lactation.
Samples of sow bristles were examined every 3 months. The results obtained confirmed the monthly gathered experimental data on the ash content and the Ca, Mg, K, and Na content (P less than 0.05-0.001) of Boar Bristles. Similarly, investigations made every 3 months showed a significant seasonal influence on the concentration of these mineral components in the bristles of the pigs (P less than 0.05-0.001). A comparison was made between newly grown hair and original bristles showing the presence of other yet unknown factors that had a controlling influence on the mineral composition of the hair. The inorganic components in the short newly grown hair were not different from those found in analogous long hair.
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