Abstract
Aim: This study quantified the regional distribution of bone mineral content (BMC) in Thryonomys swinderianus grasscutters to evaluate structural influences on skeletal mineralization.
Methods: Ten healthy male grasscutters (4–5 kg) were ethically euthanized (Euthasol® at 100 mg/kg). Bones (skull, forelimb, hindlimb, vertebrae, ribs, coccyx) were dissected, defleshed, dried (60°C), microwave-digested (HNO₃:H₂O₂), and analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Drawell DW-AA4730FG). Statistical analysis used GraphPad Prism 10.5.1(774): normality (Shapiro-Wilk test, α=0.05) and variance homogeneity (Levene's test, α=0.05) were verified, mineral concentrations across bone regions were compared using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post-hoc testing (p<0.05). Data are mean ± SD.
Results: Calcium peaked in load-bearing regions: skull (140.2 ± 1.04 mg/kg) and hindlimbs (132 ± 0.54 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Phosphorus was highest in ribs (42 ± 0.50 mg/kg), differing from vertebrae/forelimb (p < 0.05). Potassium varied regionally (skull/coccyx > vertebrae, p < 0.05). Magnesium and trace elements (Pb: 0.11–0.14 mg/kg, Cu, Mn, Zn) showed no regional differences (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Skeletal mineralization in Thryonomys swinderianus exhibits biomechanical adaptation, with calcium and phosphorus concentrated in load-bearing regions (skull: 140.2 mg/kg, hindlimbs: 132 mg/kg) to withstand locomotor/masticatory stresses. In contrast, magnesium and trace elements (Zn, Mn, Cu) show uniform distribution, reflecting systemic metabolic roles, while lead's homogeneity (0.11-0.14 mg/kg) confirms distinct accumulation patterns for environmental elements. These findings establish grasscutters as a model for studying functional mineral allocation strategies.