Plasma alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and lipid levels in semi-free-ranging Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii).

Circulating concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and lipids were quantified in 19 Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii) inhabiting the steppes of Ukraine during June 1991. Foals (n = 3) had lower mean plasma alpha-tocopherol (4.7 micrograms/ml) and beta-carotene (0.3 microgram/ml) levels than did adults (n = 16; 6.6 and 0.7 micrograms/ml, respectively) and higher mean cholesterol concentrations (1.42 vs. 0.98 mg/ml). Mean triglyceride levels did not differ between foals and adults (0.46 mg/ml). Alpha tocopherol concentrations were substantially higher than those considered normal for domestic and zoo equids, but beta-carotene, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were within expected ranges. These limited data suggest excellent circulating vitamin E concentrations in these horses and may provide useful comparative guidelines for assessment of fat-soluble nutrient concentrations and establishment of optimal dietary management of Przewalski horses.