The evaluation of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se concentrations in the hair of South American camelids

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor the content of trace elements in the hair of South American camelids and to evaluate the effect of coat colour, species, age, and sex on their concentration in the hair. The samples were collected from 77 animals -23 llamas (Llama guanicoe f. gllama) and 54 alpacas (Llama guanicoe f. pacos) during a spring health check. The concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and selenium (Se) by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. We found the following concentrations (mean ± standard deviation; mg/kg dry matter) in the llama hair: Cu 9.70 ± 4.69; Zn 145.20 ± 21.07; Mn 12.49 ± 10.14; Se 0.25 ± 0.14. In alpaca hair we found the following concentrations: Cu 10.22 ± 2.90; Zn 129.81 ± 19.01; Mn 12.67 ± 13.85; Se 0.48 ± 0.24. We found a significant difference between llamas and alpacas in Zn and Se concentrations in the hair. From all the evaluated factors we found that coat colour had the highest effect on Mn and Se concentration. Dark haired animals had significantly higher concentrations of these trace elements than other coloured groups. The evaluation of the concentration of trace elements in the hair of llamas has a potential to be used for the evaluation of long-term status of trace elements in the body; however, it is necessary to continue with experimental work in this area. Our findings can serve as a pilot study for further works in this field.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis during Preruminant, Transitional and Ruminant Age Groups in Reference to The Serum T3, T4 and Cortisol in Assam Hill Goat (Capra hircus)

“…Kellaway et al, (1978) concluded that Cu levels in hair were a sensitive index of Cu status of body. However Holasova (2017) also reported that the hair copper concentration did not vary with the age sex, and color in American camelidaes. Combs et al, (1982) reported higher Na content in younger cattle.…”

“…Sokola et al, (2009) reported 3.4 to 22.9 mg/kg dry matter in sheep wool; Szczegielniak et al, (2014) reported 3.8-20.0 mg/kg dry matter in cow hair. (Holasova 2017) reported that age sex color had significant affect on the hair manganese content. Rashed et al, (2002) reported the Mn content of goat hair was 879 μg/g.…”

“…earlier days of life may be suggestive of increased degree of keratinization during higher age groups. Holasova (2017) reported the hair manganese of 12.62 mg/kg dry matter in American camelids. Sokola et al, (2009) reported 3.4 to 22.9 mg/kg dry matter in sheep wool; Szczegielniak et al, (2014) reported 3.8-20.0 mg/kg dry matter in cow hair.…”

“…Bhattacharya et al, (2004) stated that elemental concentration in yak hair varied due to location but not due to age and sex. Holasova (2017) reported the variation in the hair mineral content in lama and Alpaca and also stated the mineral content varied with coat color. Wilson (2016) reported that the values may vary with breed and species.…”

“…The increase in the Zn content in the higher age groups might be suggestive of increase in the degree of keratinization and mineralization. Hair Zinc content reported by various authors such(Holasova 2017) reported 134.4 mg/kg dry matter in American camelids. Sokola et al, (2009) reported 75.0 to 88.8 mg/kg dry matter in sheep wool; Szczegielniak et al, (2014) reported 125.7-427.4 mg/kg dry matter in cow hair.…”