The content of macroand microelements in the hair of cows from various regions of Russia
The problem of the content of chemical elements in the body of farm animals and in livestock products is extremely relevant, in this regard, an understanding of regional biogeochemistry, which is the basis of biogeochemical zoning and the allocation of biogeochemical provinces, is of great importance. In this study, the elemental composition of hair of the Holstein cows (n=75) from three regions of Russia (Vologda, Leningrad and Orenburg regions) was studied. The greatest differences in the elemental composition of cow hair occurred comparing animals from Vologda and Leningrad regions relative to the animals from Orenburg region. Significantly, higher values of essential, conditionally essential and toxic elements were registered in cattle of Orenburg region (P≤0.05). However, despite the close location of Vologda and Leningrad regions, the examined cows also showed significant differences in the elemental composition of hair. Thus, the biogeochemical features of the territory are a permanent environmental factor that can affect the elemental composition and mineral metabolism of animals and, thereby, affect the health of animals and their productivity. Therefore, knowledge of the biogeochemical features of the territory can help in the development of modern biogeochemical technologies in animal husbandry.