Macro‐ and trace element concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields

Abstract

Eight multiparous, nonlactating pregnant Holstein cows (at 198 ± 35 days of gestation and weighing 608 + 24 kg) and seven nonlactating nonpregnant ovariectomized heifers (weighing 370 + 29 kg) were confined to wooden metabolism crates in an electric and magnetic field chamber. Subarachnoidal catheters were inserted before the activation of the electric and magnetic fields. For 30 days, cows and heifers were continuously exposed in separate trials to electric and magnetic fields (60 Hz, 10 kV/m, and 30 μT). Blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected for 3 consecutive days before the exposure period, the last 3 days of the exposure period, and for 3 days starting 5 days after the exposure period. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Na, P, and K in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were determined. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields resulted in decreased concentrations of Mg in blood plasma and in increased concentrations of Ca and P and decreased concentrations of Fe and Mn in cerebrospinal fluid. Bioelectromagnetics 20:358–364, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.