Biochemical and mineral status of the body of infertile boars with hypovitaminosis A

A leading role in the occurrence of infertility in male domestic animals is played by nutritional deficiency factors, in particular vitamin A deficiency, which contributes to the development of morphological and functional changes in the reproductive system. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of vitamin A (carotene) deficiency on the biochemical and mineral status of infertile boars, in particular, to establish changes in the main biochemical markers and assess the state of the antioxidant defence system and indicators of mineral homeostasis (Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Cobalt). In the experimental group of animals, a probably low level of vitamin A was noted (by 54.2 % lower than the control group, P ˂ 0.001) due to a significant increase in the content of thiobarbiturate acid-reactive compounds (by 2.32 times, P ˂ 0.001) and a decrease in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (by 47.3 % and 28.8 %, respectively, P ˂ 0.001). A decrease in haemoglobin concentration by 14.3 % (Р ˂ 0.001), total protein by 11.6 % (Р ˂ 0.01), the number of erythrocytes by 9.3 % (Р ˂ 0.01) and acid capacity by 9.1 % (Р ˂ 0.05). These results demonstrate a general decrease in metabolic processes in the body of infertile boars with vitamin A deficiency. The reduced number of erythrocytes in the blood of boars of the experimental group was mainly due to antiradical and antihypoxic abilities. It should be noted that catalase activity and the content of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes were probably lower than the control indicators by 53.1 % and 16.3 % (Р ˂ 0.001), respectively. In addition, taking into account the reduced indicators of haemoglobin content and the number of erythrocytes, a negative dynamics of oxygen metabolism was established. This is also confirmed by a probable increase in the content of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in erythrocytes (by 67.5 %, Р ˂ 0.001). Also, in boars of the experimental group, the content of Calcium was lower by 25.0 % (Р ˂ 0.001) than the control indicators, and the content of Phosphorus decreased by 12.6 % (Р ˂ 0.05). Similar changes were observed in the levels of Zinc and Copper (indicators were lower than the control by 52.0 % and 28.0 %, respectively, Р ˂ 0.001). Note that the Manganese content in the blood of experimental boars was reduced by 20.9 % (Р ˂ 0.05), while the Cobalt level was lower by 16.1 % (Р ˂ 0.05). The obtained results showed a significant effect of A-vitamin deficiency on the general antioxidant activity and mineral homeostasis in barren boars.