Macrominerals and trace minerals in rabbit meat after application of epicatechin and patulin

The goal of this study was to analyse the effect of the natural antioxidant epicatechin (E) and the mycotoxin patulin (P) on the content of minerals in the meat of rabbits. Adult female rabbits (n = 25) were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group C and experimental groups E1, E2, E3 and E4. Patulin was applied intramuscularly in groups E1, E2, E3 and E4 (10 μg·kg-1) twice a week, while animals in groups E2, E3 and E4 received E three times a week for 30 days. Samples of M. longissimus dorsi (50 g) were analysed after slaughter. The concentration of macroelements (phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) and microelements (zinc, copper and manganese) were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the content of manganese was recorded in groups E3 and E4 vs. the control. The values in experimental groups E1 and E2 were lower when compared to the control group, although with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The significantly lowest (P < 0.05) content of copper in this study was measured in groups E3 and E4 with a higher dose of E (100 and 1 000 μg·kg-1) in comparison with groups E1 and E2. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in the content of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium were found between the groups. We assumed that the intramuscular application of higher doses of E may contribute to the occurrence of oxidative stress and support the pro-oxidative effects of mycotoxin. However, further investigation is needed to explain the mechanism of action concerning the effects of epicatechin and patulin.