Search

Introduction: The level of essential minerals in meat is an important factor in human nutrition and health. Meat from responsibly managed wildlife is an alternative raw material with considerable nutritional benefits. Meat from hunted animals has essential and non-essential elements for the human body. It is important to carefully monitor the levels of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of hunted animals in polluted areas to ensure food safety and environmental contamination. High levels of heavy metals in food and the environment can pose a danger to human health. Methods: The study aims to investigate the levels of essential mineral elements and heavy metals in the muscle tissue and organs of wild boar harvested through the herd density control plan over the last decade in north-eastern Romania. Results and discussion: The statistical analysis indicates that the age of the animals had a significant impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in Longissimus lumborum. In the kidney a highly significant difference in Fe content by sex, with males showing higher values than females. The sex was shown to significantly influence the Mg levels. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), which may hurt the health of game meat consumers in the study area. Cd level it shows significant differences according to both age and sex, with higher concentrations in adults and males. Statistical analysis shows a negative correlation between Fe and Zn concentrations in muscle samples, while a positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn in kidney samples. There was also a positive association between Zn and Cu in muscle samples, but a negative association in kidney samples. Principal component analysis shows significant variation in essential element and heavy metals data between muscle and kidney samples. The loading plot shows a direct correlation between Pb and Cu and between Pb and Cd. However, an opposite correlation also is observed between Cu and Mg, Cd and Mg, and Pb and Mg. HQ (Hazard Quotient) for children compared to adults indicates a potentially higher risk associated with meat consumption among children because children are more vulnerable than adults. We report for the first time, to the best authors' knowledge, various levels of essential minerals and exceeded maximum admitted level of heavy metals in the muscle tissues and kidneys of Sus scrofa ferus from Romania intended for human consumption, moreover, our findings highlight the need for strict monitoring and implementation of appropriate corrective measures, given the significant percentages of muscle and kidney samples exceeding the allowable limits for two of the most common toxic metals in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic gain for mineral concentration obtained over several selection cycles is not known for common bean. The objectives of this study were to investigate the correlations between minerals, to estimate genetic gain for mineral concentration in common bean lines, and to evaluate whether the strategies used by the breeding programs of the Southern Brazilian Common-Bean Network resulted in an increase in mineral concentration in the grains. Sixteen experiments were conducted between the years 2014 and 2022 to assess 53 common bean lines obtained by seven public breeding programs in Brazil. Genetic gain for the concentration of seven minerals was determined by the generalized least squares method adapted for biennia. A significant genotype effect was observed for the concentration of most of the minerals evaluated in the different experiments. High positive correlations (r ≥ 0.70) were obtained between potassium – phosphorus and calcium – iron. Positive genetic gains were observed for the concentrations of potassium (0.59% per year), calcium (5.39% per year), and magnesium (3.39% per year), i.e. the concentrations of these macrominerals increased. Conversely, negative genetic gains were found for the concentration of phosphorus (−1.39% per year), zinc (−0.95% per year), copper (−0.51% per year), and iron (−0.22% per year). The strategies used by the breeding programs of the Southern Brazilian Common-Bean Network allow increasing the concentrations of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. However, in aiming at food and nutritional security for the next generations, changes must be implemented in the development process of new common bean cultivars regarding the other minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe level of essential minerals in meat is an important factor in human nutrition and health. Meat from responsibly managed wildlife is an alternative raw material with considerable nutritional benefits. Meat from hunted animals has essential and non-essential elements for the human body. It is important to carefully monitor the levels of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of hunted animals in polluted areas to ensure food safety and environmental contamination. High levels of heavy metals in food and the environment can pose a danger to human health.MethodsThe study aims to investigate the levels of essential mineral elements and heavy metals in the muscle tissue and organs of wild boar harvested through the herd density control plan over the last decade in north-eastern Romania.Results and discussionThe statistical analysis indicates that the age of the animals had a significant impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in Longissimus lumborum. In the kidney a highly significant difference in Fe content by sex, with males showing higher values than females. The sex was shown to significantly influence the Mg levels. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), which may hurt the health of game meat consumers in the study area. Cd level it shows significant differences according to both age and sex, with higher concentrations in adults and males. Statistical analysis shows a negative correlation between Fe and Zn concentrations in muscle samples, while a positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn in kidney samples. There was also a positive association between Zn and Cu in muscle samples, but a negative association in kidney samples. Principal component analysis shows significant variation in essential element and heavy metals data between muscle and kidney samples. The loading plot shows a direct correlation between Pb and Cu and between Pb and Cd. However, an opposite correlation also is observed between Cu and Mg, Cd and Mg, and Pb and Mg. HQ (Hazard Quotient) for children compared to adults indicates a potentially higher risk associated with meat consumption among children because children are more vulnerable than adults. We report for the first time, to the best authors’ knowledge, various levels of essential minerals and exceeded maximum admitted level of heavy metals in the muscle tissues and kidneys of Sus scrofa ferus from Romania intended for human consumption, moreover, our findings highlight the need for strict monitoring and implementation of appropriate corrective measures, given the significant percentages of muscle and kidney samples exceeding the allowable limits for two of the most common toxic metals in the environment.

The current work is aimed to assess the impact of macronutrient and mineral contents in food products of packaged food, restaurant food, and street food in Hyderabad. The estimated daily intake of macronutrients and minerals, followed by the toxic risk assessment of microminerals by consuming studied food dishes, was also conducted. The collected products were freeze-dried and standard procedures for measuring macronutrients were followed. At the same time, the acid digestion method was used to prepare the solution for detecting minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The resulting data indicated that all the food dishes supplied 134–454 kcals/100 g. The chicken/meat and pulse food dishes of all three categories were enriched with protein except bhindi masala. All the food dishes have a massive variation in fat contents and differ based on the used quantity of hydrogenated oil during their preparations. A significant difference in the macro- and microminerals in studied food products was observed. However, all food dishes are a good supplementary source of fundamental nutrients, supplying the recommended daily allowances for adults. The estimated hazardous index (Ih) of microminerals in some street and restaurant food products (based on a survey) showed possible toxicity risk, especially for the workers of automechanic workshops (Ih > 1.00). Thus, it is concluded that the contaminated (cheap) raw materials and unhygienic conditions for preparing street and restaurant foods and hawking places (atmospheric pollution) are the significant sources of micromineral contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal mineral nutrition during the critical phases of fetal development may leave lifetime impacts on the productivity of an individual. Most research within the developmental origins of the health and disease (DOHaD) field is focused on the role of macronutrients in the genome function and programming of the developing fetus. On the other hand, there is a paucity of knowledge about the role of micronutrients and, specifically, minerals in regulating the epigenome of livestock species, especially cattle. Therefore, this review will address the effects of the maternal dietary mineral supply on the fetal developmental programming from the embryonic to the postnatal phases in cattle. To this end, we will draw a parallel between findings from our cattle model research with data from model animals, cell lines, and other livestock species. The coordinated role and function of different mineral elements in feto-maternal genomic regulation underlies the establishment of pregnancy and organogenesis and, ultimately, affects the development and functioning of metabolically important tissues, such as the fetal liver, skeletal muscle, and, importantly, the placenta. Through this review, we will delineate the key regulatory pathways involved in fetal programming based on the dietary maternal mineral supply and its crosstalk with epigenomic regulation in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy food must have an adequate balance of macroelements, such as calcium or phosphorus and, microelements, such as iron, copper. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of three extensive systems, during the dry and rainy seasons, and an intensive (feedlot) system in the Eastern Amazon, on the muscle mineral profile of water buffaloes. In total, 12 male buffaloes, aged between 24 and 36 months, slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses, were used in each of the systems considered: Marajó island, Santarém, Nova Timboteua, and a feedlot. Approximately 5 g of muscle was collected, stored, and frozen, until freeze-dried. The samples were analyzed for the mineral profile using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) for concentrations of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe). Extensive and intensive systems showed significant differences (P < 0.05) for Na, Ca, S, Cu, and Fe concentrations. The season also influenced (P < 0.05) K, Ca, P, S, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The location and season of the year had a significant interaction (P < 0.05) for K, Mg, P, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The study showed that the different Amazonian production systems and the year season influenced the levels of minerals present in buffalo muscle. The values obtained were, in general, higher in extensive production systems, and Marajó Island stood out with higher mineral values in the dry season. Therefore, the meat from animals reared in these systems is a good mineral source for daily human needs.

Wheat is an important cereal product because of its nutritional value, economy, culture, and history. Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) assumed as the oldest wheat. Einkorn locally called “siyez” has recently become popular as a super grain with the thought of being very nutritious in Turkey. In this study, the contents of macrominerals (Na, Mg, Ca, and K) and microminerals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in twenty-one einkorn samples collected from different cultivation areas in Kastamonu were determined by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The results were compared with those analyzed in einkorn and other wheat types in the literature. Average concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr and Cu analyzed in einkorn samples were found as 3712, 1303, 656, 53, 167, 34, 29, 0,7 and 0,6 mg kg-1, respectively. The literature comparison revealed that the investigated einkorn samples were richer in terms of Ca and Fe contents compared to einkorn, emmer, spelt, buckwheat, and durum wheat samples grown in our country and different countries.

This study aimed to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy, and minerals of marine fish meal (MFM), salmon meal (SM), tilapia by-product meal (TBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), poultry by-product meal (PBM), blood meal (BM), and feather meal (FM) by silver catfish Rhamdia voulezi. Groups of 12 fish were fed the experimental diet three times a day until apparent satiation, and the fecal samples were collected from an accumulation device. SM and PBM exhibited the highest digestibility values for dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, while MBM and FM presented significantly lower ADCs for dry matter. BM and FM exhibited higher ADCs for phosphorus, 65.05 and 63.87%, respectively. The ADCs for calcium were 58.8% for MFM, 56.69% for TBM, and 60.08% for PBM. PBM and FM had the highest iron ADCs, 44.01 and 46.29%, respectively. Magnesium ADCs ranged from 44.87% for MBM to 75.50% for TBM. BM had the highest digestibility for zinc (62.77%), whereas MBM (36.68%) and FM (39.39%) had the lowest. In general, SM and PBM showed higher values as feedstuffs for silver catfish feeds. At the same time, the digestibility was lower for TBM and MBM for macronutrients and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals are limiting factors in animal production, and the knowledge of mineral requirements for livestock is crucial to the success of a commercial enterprise. Hair sheep may have different mineral requirements than those presents by the international committees. A study was carried to evaluate the net calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) requirements for the growth and maintenance of Brazilian Somali lambs. A total of 48 hair lambs (13.5±1.8 kg) aged 60±15 days were allocated to individual pens. Eight animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to serve as a reference group to estimate initial empty BW (EBW) and initial body composition. The remaining lambs (n=40) were assigned to a completely randomized design with eight replications in five levels of metabolizable energy (ME; 4.93, 8.65, 9.41, 10.12 and 11.24 MJ/kg DM). When the lambs of a given treatment reached an average BW of 28 kg, they were slaughtered. Initial body composition was used to calculate the retention of minerals. Mineral body composition was fit using a logarithmic equation in the form of a nonlinear model. The maintenance requirements were estimated from regressions of mineral retention in the empty body on mineral intake. The body mineral concentration decreased in lambs with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg. The net mineral requirements (100 g/day of average daily gain (ADG)) decreased from 0.52 to 0.51 g for Ca, 0.28 to 0.23 g for P, 0.02 to 0.02 g for Mg, 0.09 to 0.08 g for Na, 0.11 to 0.09 g for K, 1.30 to 1.08 mg for Zn, 3.77 to 3.22 mg for Fe, 0.08 to 0.06 mg for Mn and 0.09 to 0.08 mg for Cu when BW increased from 15 to 30 kg. The daily net requirements for maintenance per kilogram of BW were 30.13 mg of Ca, 27.58 mg of P, 1.26 mg of Mg, 4.12 mg of Na, 8.11 mg of K, 0.133 mg of Zn, 0.271 mg of Fe, 0.002 mg of Mn and 0.014 mg of Cu. The results of this study indicate that the net mineral requirements for weight gain and maintenance in Brazilian Somali lambs are different than the values that are commonly recommended by the main evaluation systems for feed and nutritional requirements for sheep. These results for the nutritional requirements of minerals may help to optimize mineral supply for hair sheep.

This study estimated the net macro and micromineral requirement from the 48 male uncastrated lambs (24 growing male Santa Inês and 24 growing male Morada Nova hair sheep), with initial weights of 21.7 ± 1.2 kg and 20.8 ± 0.8 kg using the comparative slaughter method. The experimental diet consisted of 30% forage (Buffel--Cenchrus ciliaris (L) hay) and 70% concentrate (corn grain 43.5%, soybean meal 22.0%, vegetable oil 3.0% and mineral supplement 1.5%). The experimental design was a completely randomized with two breeds, four weights, and six replicate. Mineral requirements sufficient to promote weight gain in Santa Inês sheep ranged from 1.75 to 1.03 g Ca, 1.01 to 0.61 g of P, 0.38 to 0.21 g of K, 0.38 to 0.16 of Na, 0.10 to 0.06 Mg, 28.5 to 16.0 mg of Fe, 6.14 to 3.22 mg of Cu, and Zn 23.0 to 14.0 mg/kg per unit of empty body weight (EBW) gain. In the Morada Nova breed, the requirements ranged from 1.96 to 0.84 g of Ca, 1.15 to 0.46 of P, 0.39 to 0.19 of K, 0.28 to 0.13 of Na, 0.10 to 0.05 Mg, 26.2 to 12.9 mg of Fe, 5.59 to 2.46 Cu, and Zn 23.6 to 10.3 mg/kg of EBW gain. Mineral requirements varied mainly in accordance with the proportion of bone mass and fat concentration in the carcass, which were influenced by the slaughter weight of the animals, and therefore should be used in the formulation of dietary mineral supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium plays a key role in bone formation, regulation of muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses and hormone secretion. A proper concentration of this element in the body is crucial for homeostasis in all phases of human life. In calcium metabolism, vitamin D presents an essential contribution to the absorption of this mineral and its deposition in bones. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) values, the amount of calcium that should be ingested daily can be achieved through a balanced diet with calcium-rich food sources including fruits and vegetables, milk products, fish and eggs. However, where this cannot be observed, calcium supplementation is an alternative to be considered. This literature review article aims to indicate the groups that may require supplementation and the risk that excessive calcium intake may bring. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry offers several pharmaceutical formulas that have calcium as an active substance and can be used in the prevention and treatment of several pathologies, which are usually related to the lack of calcium ingestion, including osteoporosis, rickets, or osteomalacia. The calcium supplements commonly used are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. It should be noted that there are interactions between calcium and some foods or medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals are limiting factors in animal production, and the knowledge of mineral requirements for livestock is crucial to the success of a commercial enterprise. Hair sheep may have different mineral requirements than those presents by the international committees. A study was carried to evaluate the net calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) requirements for the growth and maintenance of Brazilian Somali lambs. A total of 48 hair lambs (13.5±1.8 kg) aged 60±15 days were allocated to individual pens. Eight animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to serve as a reference group to estimate initial empty BW (EBW) and initial body composition. The remaining lambs (n =40) were assigned to a completely randomized design with eight replications in five levels of metabolizable energy (ME; 4.93, 8.65, 9.41, 10.12 and 11.24 MJ/kg DM). When the lambs of a given treatment reached an average BW of 28 kg, they were slaughtered. Initial body composition was used to calculate the retention of minerals. Mineral body composition was fit using a logarithmic equation in the form of a nonlinear model. The maintenance requirements were estimated from regressions of mineral retention in the empty body on mineral intake. The body mineral concentration decreased in lambs with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg. The net mineral requirements (100 g/day of average daily gain (ADG)) decreased from 0.52 to 0.51 g for Ca, 0.28 to 0.23 g for P, 0.02 to 0.02 g for Mg, 0.09 to 0.08 g for Na, 0.11 to 0.09 g for K, 1.30 to 1.08 mg for Zn, 3.77 to 3.22 mg for Fe, 0.08 to 0.06 mg for Mn and 0.09 to 0.08 mg for Cu when BW increased from 15 to 30 kg. The daily net requirements for maintenance per kilogram of BW were 30.13 mg of Ca, 27.58 mg of P, 1.26 mg of Mg, 4.12 mg of Na, 8.11 mg of K, 0.133 mg of Zn, 0.271 mg of Fe, 0.002 mg of Mn and 0.014 mg of Cu. The results of this study indicate that the net mineral requirements for weight gain and maintenance in Brazilian Somali lambs are different than the values that are commonly recommended by the main evaluation systems for feed and nutritional requirements for sheep. These results for the nutritional requirements of minerals may help to optimize mineral supply for hair sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Net mineral requirements differed from those of international feed systems. • Feed restriction affected the net mineral requirements for weight gain in goat kids. • The Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn and Zn requirements in goat kids decreased with a BW ranging from 15 to 25 kg. Abstract Thirty-three castrated male Canindé goat kids (15.7 ± 0.41 kg) that were approximately 5 months old were used to estimate the body composition and dietary requirements of macrominerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na and K) and microminerals (Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn). Goat kids were distributed in a complete randomized design with four levels of feeding (0, 20, 40 and 60% feed restriction). Five animals were slaughtered at the start of the trial to serve as a baseline group and were used to estimate the initial body composition as well as to calculate mineral retention. Body composition was fit using a logarithmic equation in the form of a nonlinear model. Feed restriction reduced mineral intake and empty body weight gain in animals. The mineral composition of the bodies of Canindé goats weighing 15 to 25 kg ranged from 14.6 to 17.6 Ca, 6.15 to 4.97 P, 0.34 to 0.36 Mg, 1.62 to 1.54 K, 3.69 to 3.15 Na (g/kg EBW), 3.71 to 7.57 Cu, 3.02 to 8.44 Mn, 38.0 to 32.2 Fe, and 10.5 to 14.2 Zn (mg/kg EBW). Performance growth was reduced by feed restriction. The net mineral requirements of Canindé goat kids increased with body weight and it seems to be overestimated when is comparing from those recommended by international feed systems, which can be due the data base (e.g. animal species) used to create the systems; thus, the nutritional requirements of minerals presented in this research may contribute to mineral supplementation in growing goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water desalination has been extensively developed in Israel, particularly in the last decade. The desalination process provides fresh water that typically lacks minerals, and among these are ions that are essential to human health and/or to agricultural production, such as Mg. We analyzed 28 tap water samples originating from different cities across Israel to document their concentrations of Mg and other elements. The data from this survey (summer 2016) were compared with the results of similar observations conducted in 2008. Regarding toxic elements, tap water across Israel does not pose any health risk for consumers and may be used as drinking water without any household pretreatment. This condition has not changed since 2008. However, the problem of Mg deficiency due to the use of desalinated water was observed in about half of the sampling locations in 2016, whereas no Mg deficiency had been detected in 2008. Moreover, household filtration of tap water prior to consumption as drinking water may worsen the situation due to the Mg status resulting from rejection of this ion; this could be harmful to the consumer, particularly under prolonged exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the mineral contents of 20 species of marine fish and 4 species of shellfish from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.Overall, the contents of micro minerals in all samples were below the permissible limits; except for oyster; with copper slightly higher than the limit set by FAO/WHO (1984), but below the limit set by Malaysian Food Regulations (1985); and zinc content higher than the limit set by Malaysian Food Regulations (1985), but below the limit set by FAO/WHO (1984). Meanwhile for macro minerals, most samples contained comparable sodium contents, significantly lower of potassium contents, higher calcium contents, and extremely higher of magnesium contents compared to the common ranges reported in the literatures. All samples were good sources of micro and macro minerals and could provide multi-health benefits if consumed in recommended amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The industrial by-products vary widely in the mineral composition, therefore is necessary to identify the composition of these products to determine if present risk of toxicity to animals. Heavy metals, once ingested, can accumulate in animal tissue, mainly in the liver, kidneys and muscles. Some elements such as arsenic, cadmium and mercury are often classified as toxic elements because their biological activities are linked to toxic reactions, although all chemical elements, whether metal or not, can be toxic to animals if consumed in amounts above the need of each animal or for a long period. The protein soybean hull (PSH) is the residue coming from the technological process of extraction of soy protein, with is originally called primary sludge. To this is added 50% soybean hull and dried, resulting in the product called protein soybean hull. This work was carried out in order to assess through mineral studies the nutritional potential of the protein soybean hull for feed sheep in replace soybean meal, because currently there is no available scientific studies on the effect of using protein soybean hull in the ruminant animals diet related to mineral metabolism. Materials, Methods & Results: For this, samples of soybean protein hull were collected from a benefited soy industry in different batches to evaluate the variability in mineral composition of experimental material. The samples of soybean protein hull were analyzed for, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt. It was also analyzed for fluorine, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and vanadium, minerals considered potentially toxic to feeding sheep. The mean values of Ca and P in PSH were 0.52% and 1.22% respectively. The average content of Mg found in the PSH was 0.19% and represents 63% of the amount of Mg present in soybean meal. The S content in CPS ranged from 0.22 to 0.29%, so the PSH is sufficient to meet the daily requirements of S for sheep in growing / finishing. The PSH showed high levels of Na (0.19%) and iron (16,414 mg / kg) and can cause problems of toxicity, if not provided in a balanced diet. However, the mean levels of Mn (40.29 mg / kg), Zn (61.07 mg / kg), Cu (14.29 mg / kg) and Co (1.15 mg / kg) were suitable for feeding sheep. Considered potentially toxic minerals to feeding sheep (F, Al, As, Cd, Pb, Hg and V), only the F and Al were detected, with values of 100 and 199.43 mg / kg, being within the limits considered toxic to sheep. Discussion: The industrial production process of protein soybean hull was homogeneous due to the small variation in the mineral levels analyzed in seven different batches. The P is an essential element in the diet of sheep that represents the greatest risk of environmental pollution, so the P content of the diet should be adequate for optimal animal performance with minimal environmental impact, but the greater concern in the PSH is related to the Ca: P ratio, because this ratio was less than 1:1 (0,52:1,22) and may affect the absorption of Ca or P, if the diet was not balanced properly. The iron was the only mineral and perhaps the most limiting nutritional potential of the PSH, due to its high concentration may cause problems of toxicity in sheep. The concentration of other minerals is within the maximum tolerable level for sheep. The toxicity of Iron can be better evaluated in animal experiments. In PSH samples analyzed, minerals with direct toxic potential or accumulation (heavy metals) have no major problems, since most of them were not detected in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Macro (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and micromineral (Fe, Zn, Cu) composition of 39 waters was analysed. Determinations were made by atomic flame spectrophotometry for macrominerals and electrothermic atomisation in graphite furnace for microminerals. Mineral contents of still or sparkling natural waters (without flavours) changed from brand to brand. Mann–Whitney test was used to search for significant differences between flavoured and natural waters. For that, the concentration of each mineral was compared to the presence of flavours, preservatives, acidifying agents, fruit juice and/or sweeteners, according to the labelled composition. The statistical study demonstrated that flavoured waters generally have increased contents of K, Na, Fe and Cu. The added preservatives also led to significant differences in the mineral composition. Acidifying agents and fruit juice can also be correlated to the increase of Mg, K, Na, Fe and Cu. Sweeteners do not provide any significant difference in Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn contents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to determine the amount of macro and micro minerals in forages growing in three areas of the state of Quintana Roo, north (N), center (C) and south (S) and the most important forage species that grow in those areas. One hundred and eight pasture samples and 68 soil samples were collected in 45 farm units. All minerals were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometer, except P which was analyzed by colorimetric method. Variables were analyzed using GLM procedures and means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Forage species more frequently found were Brachiaria brizantha, 73.3%; Cynodon plectostachyus, 31.1%; Pennisetum purpureum, 31.1%; Panicum maximum var Tanzania, 26.6%; P. maximum var Mombasa, 15.5%; P. maximum var Guinea, 13.3%; Brachiaria mutica, 11.1%; and Brachiaria humidicola, 11.1%. Low Ca, P and Mg levels were found in both pastures and soil, where as K and Fe were extremely abundant. Specific deficiencies of Mn (N), Zn (C) and Cu (C and S) were also found. In conclusion, there are serious imbalances in the mineral content of forages that can be solved distributing mineral supplements to animals on pasture rich in Ca, P and Mg, and free of K and Fe, depending to the different state areas, Mn, Zn and Cu should be added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The potential of canola (Brassica napus L.) leafy greens as a food source for human consumption is being considered to increase the variety of nutritious vegetables available to consumers. Scientific evidence supports that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables may reduce individual risk factors for some diseases. Five canola cultivars were grown at Alabama A & M University, Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, in Hazel Green, AL, USA, and were analyzed to determine mineral composition of raw canola leafy greens for comparison to those of collard greens (Brassica oleraceae var. viridis), kale (Brassica oleraceae L. acephala) and cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L. var. capitata). Results showed that collard greens were significantly higher in potassium (K) than the other crops tested; however, canola was significantly higher in K than cabbage and kale. The essential micronutrient, iron (Fe), (24.77mg/100g dry weight), was significantly higher in canola and lowest in cabbage (7.65mg/100g dry weight). Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) contents of canola (3.00 and 16.40g/100g dry weight, respectively) were greater than cabbage and collard. Among the three canola harvest stages (rosette, budding and blooming), K content increased with growth, while Fe and aluminum (Al) decreased; sodium (Na) was lowest at the budding stage compared to the other two stages. The results of this research indicate that canola greens can be an acceptable substitute for traditional leafy green vegetables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leaves and twigs from shrub species consumed by range goats: Bernardia myricaefolia, Caesalpinia mexicana, Celtis pallida, Diospyros texana, Eysenhardtia polystachya, Gymnosperma glutinosum, Hellieta parvifolia, Parkinsonia aculeata, Pithecellobium ebano and Pithecellobium pallens were evaluated for comparative seasonal contents of Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Plants were collected in summer (September 12, 1995), autumn (December 1, 1995), winter (February 22, 1996) and spring (May 31, 1996) in the counties: Linares, Santiago, Iturbide and Montemorelos belonging to the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. During summer, mineral concentrations were higher in general. Only Ca, Mg, K, Mn and Fe were in substantial amounts, in all seasons, to meet adult goat requirements. All browse plants had extremely low P and Na contents. Moreover, Cu in all and Zn in most plants resulted with low marginal levels to meet adult goat requirements. However, plants such as B. myricaefolia, D. texana, E. polystachya, G. glutinosum and H. parvifolia can be considered prominent components in diets of range goats because of their high mineral concentrations. It appears that ration formulation for goats should include evaluation of the dominant available plants and consideration of their probable mineral contents during certain seasons for ration formulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility of 45 samples of different species of lichen are reported. Mean content (g/100 g dry matter) of the main nutrients was: crude protein 4.2, crude fat 3.2, crude fibre 16.6, ash 1.9, Ca 0.15, P 0.09, Mg 0.05, K 0.13, Na 0.035, S 0.07. The content of microminerals (mg/kg dry matter) was: Cu 2.5, Mo 0.11, Zn 27.2, Se 0.12, Fe 898, Mn 154. The mean in vitro dry matter digestibility was 35%. However, the in vitro method do underestimate the dry matter digestibility of lichens. Stereocaulon spp. showed higher levels of crude protein, P, S, Cu and Mo than Cetraria spp. and Cladonia spp. Cetraria nivalis showed higher digestibility and contained more NFE, ash, Ca, Mg, but less crude fibre than Cladonia stellaris. Lichens contained less amounts of most nutrients compared with grasses (Fig. 1), exept for crude fat, NFE, Se and Fe. Kjemisk innhald og in vitro fordøyelsesgrad av lav. Abstract in Norwegian / Samandrag: Kjemisk innhald og in vitro fordøyelsesgrad av tørrstoffet er bestemt i 45 prøver av beitelav frå to stader i Sør-Noreg. Middel innhald (g/100g tørrstoff) av følgjande næringsstoff var: protein 4.2, feitt 3.2, trevlar 16.6, oske 1.9, kalsium 0.15, fosfor 0.09, magnesium 0.05, kalium 0.13, natrium 0.035, svovel 0.07. Innhaldet (mg/kg tørrstoff) av mikronæringsstoffa var: kopar 2.5, molybden 0.11, sink 27.2, selen 0.12, jern 898 og mangan 154. Den midlare fordøyelsesgraden av tørrstoffet i lav-prøvene var 35%, men in vitro fordøyelsesanalyser undervurderer fordøyelsesgraden av lav. Det var ein stor variasjon mellom dei ulike lavartane for dei fleste næringsstoffa og fordøyelsesgraden. Stereocaulon spp. inneheldt meir protein, fosfor, svovel, kopar og molybden enn Cetraria spp. og Cladonia spp. Gulskinn hadde høgare fordøyelsesgrad, og innehaldet av NFE, oske, kalsium og magnesium var høgre enn i kvitkrull, medan trevleinnhaldet var størst i kvitkrull. Lav inneheldt mindre av dei fleste næringsstoffa samanlikna med gras, unnateke feitt, NFE, selen og jern. Jäkälien kemiallinen sisältö ja in vitro sulatuksen aste. Abstract in Finnish / Yhteenveto: Kuiva-aineen kemiallinen sisalto ja in vitro sulatusaste on mååråtty 45:ssa kokeessa tårkeistå laidunjåkålistå kahdella paikkakunnalla Etelå — Norjassa. Keskimååråinen sisalto (g/100 g kuiva-ainetta) seuraavissa ravintoaineissa oli: valkuaisainetta 4.2, rasvaa 3.2, kuituja 16.6, tuhkaa 1.9, kalsiumia 0.15, fosforia 0.09, magnesiumia 0.05, kaliumia 0.13, natriumia 0.035, rikkia 0.07. Hivenainepitoisuus (mg/kg kuiva-ainesta) oli: kuparia 2.5, molybdeenia 0.11, sinkkia 27.2, seleeniå 0.12, rautaa 898 ja mangaania 154. Kuiva-aineiden keskimååråinen sulatusaste jåkålåkokeissa oli 35%. Eri jåkålåajien vålillå oli suuri vaihtelu eisimmissa ravintoaineissa ja sulatusasteessa. Stereocaulon spp. sisålsi enemmån valkuaisainetta, fosforia, rikkiå kuparia ja typettomien uuteaineiden, molybdeeniå kuin Cetraria spp. ja Cladonia spp. Lapalumijåkålållå oli korkeampi sulatusaste, ja tuhkan, kalsiumin ja magnesiumin sisålto oli korkeampi kuin Cladonia alpestris-jäkälässä, mutta kuitusisålto oli korkein Cladonia alpestris-jäkälässä. Jåkålå sisålsi våhemmån useimmista ravintoaineista ruohoon verrattuna lukuunottamatta rasvaa, typettomiå uuteaineita, seleeniå ja rautaa.