Content changes of selected mineral nutrients in mare's colostrum in the first 72 hours after foaling

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor levels of minerals in mare's colostrum in the fi rst 3 days after foaling. Colostrum samples from four warm-blood mares (in three repetitions) were analysed 2, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours postpartum. The samples were obtained by hand milking. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) contents were analysed in each sample. Non-signifi cant decrease of postpartum Ca and Na contents was found in the analysed samples. Signifi cant diff erences (P < 0.05) in P content were detected between 2 and 36 hours postpartum. Content of Mg showed statistically signifi cant diff erences (P < 0.05) during the period after foaling (2, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours post foaling). Mg concentration reached its maximum (21.8 g.kg-1 of dry matter) 2 hours postpartum and it dropped to its lowest level (5.27 g.kg-1 of dry matter) 48 hours after foaling. Similarly, the highest K content (signifi cant in relation to values obtained 36, 48 and 72 hours postpartum) was detected 2 hours after foaling while the lowest K level (37.96 g.kg-1 of dry matter) was found 48 hours postpartum. As regards the microelements, Cu showed insignifi cant diff erences in its postpartum levels (P > 0.05). Besides growth of Fe levels, decrease of Zn and Mn (P > 0.05) was also observed.