Comparison of the accumulation of macro- and microelements in the bone marrow and bone of wild and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

Background The cells of the entire body, including the skeletal system, especially of young animals, may derive from the bone marrow in which they multiply. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the diet and quality of life of deer have a significant impact on the elemental composition of bone and bone marrow, which can directly affect their health and growth. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of macro- (Ca, calcium, P, phosphorus, Mg, magnesium, K, potassium, Na, sodium) and microelements (Li, lithium, Cr, chromium, Mn, manganese, Co, cobalt, Cu, copper, Zn, zinc, Se, selenium, Mo, molybdenum, and Sn, tin) accumulated in the bone marrow and bones of deer (Cervus elaphus). The study was carried out on 15 young stags divided into two groups: farmed and wild animals. The concentrations of macro- and microelements were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. This research expands our knowledge on this topic, which so far has not been extensively studied. Results The mean content of K, Na, Zn and Se in the bone marrow of farmed animals was significantly higher than in wild deer, whereas the mean content of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na and Li in the bones was higher in wild animals than in farmed individuals (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean concentration of Cr, Mn, Cu, Se and Mo in the bones of the analysed animals differed significantly (p < 0.05) and was higher in the farmed deer. The mean concentration of Se in the bone marrow of wild deer decreased with the increase of the body weight (p < 0.05). In turn, the mean content of Mn in the bone marrow and of Mo in the bones of the animals was significantly positively correlated with the animals’ body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions The obtained results indicated different levels of micro- and macro-components in the body of farmed and wild deer, though without clear and strong variations. Generally, the higher level of macronutrients in the bones of wild deer may be related to the higher physiological importance of these minerals for life activities in the natural environment and to the limited supply of balanced food. On the other hand, the higher levels of microelements in the tissues of farmed animals may result from their significantly better nutritional status in the first year of life, achieved through appropriate nutrition as well as diet supplementation of adult females.

The Mineral Composition of Bone Marrow, Plasma, Bones and the First Antlers of Farmed Fallow Deer

“…When comparing soft tissues, higher concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cr, Zn, Se, Al, Ba and Ni in bone marrow than in plasma were demonstrated. This research also confirms our previous study on the translocation of minerals within the body and depending on the consumed food and metabolic changes [ 8 , 15 ] due to the fact that blood does not accumulate minerals but only transports them and reflects their amount at a given time. Blood is a tissue with a high renewal rate due to the physiologically short life span of cells in the circulation.…”

“…Compared to our previous research [ 15 ], the contents of Mn and Se were similar to those of farmed red deer (0.027 mg/kg, 0.036 mg/kg, respectively) but higher than those of wild red deer (0.008 g/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, respectively). The contents of Li and Co in the bone marrow of fallow deer, as in both groups of Cervus elaphus , were below the detection level [ 15 ].…”

“…Compared to our previous research [ 15 ], the contents of Mn and Se were similar to those of farmed red deer (0.027 mg/kg, 0.036 mg/kg, respectively) but higher than those of wild red deer (0.008 g/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, respectively). The contents of Li and Co in the bone marrow of fallow deer, as in both groups of Cervus elaphus , were below the detection level [ 15 ]. In the studies of Hassan et al [ 16 ] on the bone marrow of reindeer, evidence of Cd, Pb, and As was demonstrated, and in the presented studies in fallow deer, the content of these elements was below the detection level.…”

“…The study was conducted in 2021 on 6 farmed male fallow deer aged 16 months old according to the scheme presented in our earlier publication [ 15 ]. Generally, in the breeding scheme, young stags are mainly culled as the hinds are intended for herd reconstruction; therefore, the analysis included studies of male subjects.…”

“…Examining the mineral composition of bone marrow, plasma, bones, and antlers in cervids provides valuable information about the nutritional status of animals, their health, and their future functioning, especially in farm breeding. The mineral content in the bone marrow and bones of deer was investigated, and it differed because of the maintenance conditions of red deer [ 15 ] and also owing to age, which was demonstrated in reindeer [ 16 ]. However, fallow deer, which are the most commonly bred deer in Central Europe, have not been studied in this regard so far.…”