The Effect of Boric Acid Supplementation on MineralMetabolism in Ewes and Rams

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Akarsu S., Karataş D., Şimşek M. A., Soydan M. A., Turgut A., Sağırlar E., ...Daha Fazla

Fırat Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Veteriner Dergisi, cilt.40, sa.3, ss.242-249, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

This study investigated the relationships between boric acid supplementation and mineral metabolism in Şavak Akkaraman ewes and rams by evaluating serum, milk, and seminal plasma mineral concentrations. A total of 30 ewes and 18 rams were allocated to three groups: control (no supplementation), B20 (20 mg/day), and B40 (40 mg/day). Boric acid was administered to rams for 45 days, while supplementation in ewes began 17 days before mating and continued throughout the mating period. Mineral analyses were performed on samples collected from 10 ewes and 6 rams per group. In ewes, supplementation was associated with higher serum boron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc concentrations (p<0.05), with positive correlations between boron and these minerals. Milk boron was positively correlated with calcium, iron, and molybdenum concentrations. In rams, supplementation was significantly correlated with serum boron (r=0.755, p<0.001), whereas correlations with calcium and selenium were not significant (p>0.05). Serum boron was positively correlated with calcium and zinc. In seminal plasma, supplementation was associated with higher boron, calcium, copper, and selenium concentrations, with a strong positive correlation between boron and calcium. Overall, boric acid supplementation was associated with changes in mineral profiles, particularly calcium-related interactions, suggesting a potential role in mineral homeostasis and reproductive mineral balance. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and optimize supplementation strategies.