Variations of selected trace element contents in two layers of red deer antlers

Abstract

Introduction: Hard antlers of deer are unique bioindicators of environmental metal pollutions, but sampling methods presented in the literature are inconsistent. Due to the specific growth pattern of antlers and their histological structure, sampling methods described in the literature were reviewed, the suitability of using mixed samples of both antler layers as element bioindicators was assessed, and the codified method of antler sampling used for bioindication was described. Material and Methods: Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, copper, zinc, and iron in trabecular and cortical parts of hard antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) were determined using different methods of atomic absorption spectrometry (depending on the element). Results: Mean mercury content in trabecular bone (0.010 ±0.018 mg/kg) was 5 times higher than in cortical bone (0.002 ±0.003 mg/kg). Mean iron concentration was approximately 15 times higher in trabecular (239.83 ±130.15 mg/kg) than in cortical bone (16.17 ±16.44 mg/kg). Concentrations of other analysed elements did not differ statistically between antler layers. Conclusion: In mixed antler samples, concentrations of mercury and iron depend on the particular antler layer contents. This therefore warrants caution when comparing results across studies and specification of the sampling methodology of antlers is highly recommended.

Study of morphology, chemical, and amino acid composition of red deer meat

“…This is because young antlers contain substances which have tonic effects, increasing the general state of health of humans. Antlers are also a source of protein, fat, and mineral elements, such as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), silicium, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) [ 11 ]. The substance is also rich in amino acids such as glycine, proline, glutamic acid, lysine, leucine, and threonine [ 12 ].…”

Can red deer antlers be used as an indicator of environmental and edible tissues’ trace element contamination?

“…Contrastingly, cervid antlers have a number of advantages that make them a unique material for monitoring of trace contaminants (Giżejewska 2015; Giżejewska et al 2016, 2015). Antlers are bony cephalic appendages that are cast and regenerated annually, with high demand for minerals in the growing period, during which they accumulate trace elements (Kierdorf and Kierdorf 2006).…”

“…Liver and kidney being the most important organs responsible for detoxification, they most often are tissues of choice in analyses of environmental pollution levels (Stankovic et al 2014 ). Contrastingly, cervid antlers have a number of advantages that make them a unique material for monitoring of trace contaminants (Giżejewska 2015 ; Giżejewska et al 2016 , 2015 ). Antlers are bony cephalic appendages that are cast and regenerated annually, with high demand for minerals in the growing period, during which they accumulate trace elements (Kierdorf and Kierdorf 2006 ).…”

Genetic characterisation of wild ungulates: successful isolation and analysis of DNA from widely available bones can be cheap, fast and easy

“…Bone structures that are equipped with attributive data on individuals enable us to study the spatiotemporal variability within and among populations and to perform retrospective studies (e.g. mandibles in different environmental studies: Kierdorf and Kierdorf 2000 , 2005 ; Jelenko and Pokorny 2010 ; antlers/horns in genetic studies: Hoffmann and Griebeler 2013 ; Giżejewska et al 2016 ; Safner et al 2020 ). These bones are usually kept for decades or even centuries in well-preserved public (museums) and private collections, which may cover different regions and historical periods, and in which data on the origin of individuals, year of death and age are also often recorded.…”