The effect of boron on performance, mineral metabolism, antioxidant activity and some blood parameters in thoroughbred arabian foals

Boron has important functions in mineral, lipid and energy metabolism, immune system, endocrine system and brain, and positively affects performance; It has been reported that it may be effective in preventing osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and arthritis. Although there are studies on the effects of boron mineral on animals with different animal species (poultry, rodent, ruminant), no studies have been found on equids. In this study, the effects of different doses of boron mineral (0, 5, 10, 15 mg/day/animal) on performance (live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio), mineral metabolism, antioxidant activity and some blood parameters in Thoroughbred Arabian Foals were investigated. The trial was conducted on a total of 32 foals, divided into groups by random allocation, with similar initial body weights and 8 foals per group, all of which were 6 months of age (n=8) The experimental groups consisted of boron mineral given to the animals in different doses. Accordingly, the group not given boron formed the control group (Group K), the group given 5 mg elemental boron formed the B5 group, the group given 10 mg elemental boron formed the B10 group, and the group given 15 mg elemental boron formed the B15 group. "Boric Acid" was used as the boron mineral source. The study lasted 90 days. In the experiment, feed consumption was similar in all groups (p>0.05), daily live weight gains and the best feed conversion ratio were detected in the B15 group (p <0.01). Serum Gl, cholesterol TG, AST, ALT, ALP, P, Mg levels did not differ between the groups at different measurement times during the study(p >0.05). In the measurements made on the 90th day, it was determined that the serum Ca level in the B15 group was higher than the control group (p= 0.03). Serum B level increased linearly depending on the dose (p <0.001). While no difference was observed in serum PTH level at different measurement times and between groups (p>0.05), serum cortisol level showed a significant increase in the B10 and B15 groups compared to the control group on the 90th day (p=0.004). While serum calcitonin level increased in all groups depending on the dose, the highest level was detected in the B15 group. Similarly, while the serum osteocalcin level increased linearly depending on the dose, it was found to be statistically significant only in the 90th day measurements and the highest increase was detected in the B15 group (p<0.01). There was no difference in vitamin D3 levels between groups depending on dose (p>0.05). While MDA level decreased dose-dependently at all measurement times except the initial measurement (p<0.001), GSH-Px and CAT levels increased dose-dependently at all measurement times except the initial measurement (p<0.001). As a result, it has been determined that boron mineral positively affects performance, mineral metabolism and antioxidant activity in Thoroughbred Arabian Foals, and the most effective dose among the doses used is 15 mg/day/animal.