Hair and Blood Trace Elements (Cadmium, Zinc, Chrome, Lead, Iron and Copper) Biomonitoring in the Athletic Horse: The Potential Role of Haematological Parameters as Biomarkers.
Authors: Aragona Francesca, Giannetto Claudia, Piccione Giuseppe, Licata Patrizia, Deniz Ömer, Fazio Francesco
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers analysed trace element accumulation in 20 healthy Italian Saddle horses from an industrialised Sicilian region, measuring cadmium, zinc, chromium, lead, iron and copper across blood, serum, and hair samples (mane and tail), alongside complete haematological profiles including red and white cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and indices. Blood and serum showed the highest concentrations of zinc, chromium, lead, iron and copper, whilst cadmium preferentially accumulated in the tail; notably, chromium and zinc demonstrated positive correlations between blood and serum (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01 respectively), and zinc showed strong correlation between mane and tail samples, suggesting consistent bioaccumulation patterns across substrates. Haematological parameters—particularly red cell morphology indices and white cell populations—displayed significant relationships with trace element concentrations, indicating that routine blood work may serve as a practical biomarker for detecting mineral imbalances and environmental contamination exposure in athletic horses. For equine professionals, this work suggests that haematological abnormalities warrant investigation into trace element status, especially in horses from industrialised areas or those showing performance decline, and that hair analysis (particularly tail samples for cadmium monitoring) could complement blood work for comprehensive mineral assessment. The findings emphasise the need for further research into whether trace element bioaccumulation directly impacts athletic performance and recovery, given the critical roles these minerals play in oxygen transport, immune function and muscular metabolism.
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Practical Takeaways
- •For horses in industrialized regions, blood and hair analysis of trace elements combined with routine haematology can help identify environmental contamination exposure affecting athletic performance and health.
- •Hair (particularly tail and mane) and blood samples provide complementary biomonitoring data; blood better reflects recent/current exposure while hair reflects longer-term accumulation patterns.
- •Haematological abnormalities in athletic horses may warrant investigation for trace element toxicity, especially in animals with access to contaminated water, hay, or feed sources.
Key Findings
- •Higher concentrations of Zn, Cr, Pb, Fe, and Cu detected in blood compared to serum and hair substrates; Cd predominantly accumulated in tail hair.
- •Positive correlations found between Cr in blood and serum (p < 0.0001), Zn between mane and tail (p < 0.001), and Pb between blood and mane (p < 0.01).
- •Haematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLTs) demonstrated close relationships with trace element bioaccumulation, suggesting potential as biomarkers.
- •Study from industrialized area of Milazzo, Sicily demonstrates environmental trace element contamination pathway through feed and water into athletic horse tissues.