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Bioactive Element Biodistribution of Different Biological Substrates in Sheep and Goats
Vincenzo Nava1, Francesca Aragona2, Angela Giorgia Potortì1
1Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Mineral biodistribution in sheep and goats differs significantly between species and sample types. Higher calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and sodium levels were found in blood and clots compared to serum, plasma, and hair.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Small ruminant production is influenced by forage mineral content and nutrient availability.
- Understanding mineral biodistribution is crucial for optimizing livestock health and productivity.
- Extensive range-grazing conditions present unique challenges for nutrient uptake in sheep and goats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biodistribution of key minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn) in various biological substrates of sheep and goats.
- To identify species-specific differences in mineral concentrations and correlations within blood and hair samples.
- To provide insights into mineral metabolism relevant to small ruminant livestock production.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of whole blood, serum, blood clots, plasma, plasma sediments, and hair from 40 healthy sheep and goats.
- Quantification of mineral concentrations using a Thermo Scientific iCAP- Q ICP-MS spectrometer.
- Statistical analysis to determine species effects and correlations between different biological samples.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) were found in blood and blood clots compared to serum, plasma, plasma sediments, and hair.
- All investigated bioactive element concentrations showed significant species-specific differences (p < 0.05) between sheep and goats.
- Strong positive correlations were observed between serum and plasma for most elements in sheep and specific elements in goats, and between serum/plasma and whole blood for several minerals.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in mineral biodistribution exist between sheep and goats across various biological samples.
- Blood and blood clots are richer reservoirs for several key minerals compared to serum, plasma, and hair.
- These findings offer valuable data for improving nutritional strategies and health management in small ruminant livestock.
