Comparison effects of two different types of zinc supplement on zinc values of serum and hooves in Arab horses

This study was done in order to compare assessment the absorption rate of zinc sulfate and zinc oxide and their effects on Serum and hooves in Arabs horses. 18 male Arab horses with 3-6 years old were selected. All of them were in same management and nutritional conditions. Animals were allocated in 3 groups (Ceach group 6 horses). Animals of control group were received only ordinary and standard food. Animals of group 2 were received zinc oxide supplementation accompanied with ordinary food and animals of group 3 were received zinc sulfate for 2 month. On day 0 and prior the supplementing and days 30 and 60, 10 ml blood samples were obtained from jugular vein. Blood samples were centrifuged and sera were separated. Also, samples from hooves were obtained. The value of zinc was measured using atomic absorption method. Results showed that there is no significant difference in term of zinc values of serum and hoof in animals of control group during 60 days but these values in serum and hooves of group 2 was significant (P=0.026) and non-significant, respectively. While, these values were significant in both parameters in animals of group 3 (P=0.001 and P=0.011, respectively). On day 30, increasing of this element in serum and hoof was not significant in both treatment groups but, on day 60, both combinations resulted in enhancement of serum value of zinc significantly (p=0.002) but not in the zinc value of hoof. However, changes in zinc values of hoof was observed only in third group (p=0.026). In treatment groups, by increasing the serum values of zinc, hoof values also was increased so that, there was a significant relation among them (p=0.001, r=0.980 and p=0.006, r=0.908, respectively). We can conclude that zinc supplementation in both forms for more than one month cause increase in zinc values of hooves and zinc sulfate showed more effect significantly. So, considering the role of zinc in immune system, activity of some enzymes, hooves strange, increased polish and skin shines and many other important roles, adding of zinc supplementation especially zinc sulfate is suggested.