Effect of sex on the content of elements in meat from wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) originating from the Province of Podkarpacie (south-eastern Poland)

The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of some elements, incluing minerals and heavy metals (Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb), in the meat (musculus longissimus dorsi) of the wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) depending on the sex of the animals. The wild boars were shot during the hunting 2011-2012 season, in the Province of Podkarpacie (województwo podkarpackie), Poland. Podkarpacie, situated in south-eastern Poland, is known for its variety of wildlife living in natural habitat. The study involved 16 animals (8 of each sex) aged 2 years. Meat samples were freeze-dried (Lyovac GT2, Finn-Aqua) and then mineralised in a microwave mineraliser (Ethos Plus, Milestone). Samples prepared in this way were later analysed for the concentration of minerals, using various techniques. The content of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) was determined by atomic emission spectroscopy, while the levels of other elements (Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu) were assayed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The analyses indicated no significant statistical differences between males and females in the quantity of most metals in their bodies, except copper (Cu), whose average amount was higher in meat samples from females (7.5 mg kg-1) than from males (6.15 mg kg-1) (p ≤ 0.01). The determinations of heavy metals revealed that the average lead (Pb) concentration exceeded the acceptable limit only in meat samples from males (0.13 mg kg-1). When examining the levels of minerals in wild boar meat, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found only between the average quantities of K and Mg.