Potential roles of Selenium and Zinc in the pathophysiology of crib-biting behavior in horses

Crib-biting is repetitive and compulsive behavior that characterized by “grasping a fixed object with incisor teeth and aspirating air with an audible grunt”. Little is known about etiology and pathophysiology of crib-biting behavior in horses. Previously we have shown that oxidative stress is linked to crib-biting, with crib biters showing lower antioxidant capacit y than non-crib-biting horses. The aim of the present study was extend our understanding of oxidative stress in crib-biting to determine the serum contents of some mineral trace elements (manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)), and electrolytes (sodium (Na), potas sium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P)).
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research