Some Macromineral and Trace Mineral Levels in Milk of Different Dog Breeds

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it was planned to examine the mineral levels in the milk of different breed dogs during the lactation period. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron concentrations were analyzed in dog milk throughout the lactation period.
 Materials and methods: In this research 6 Labradors, 6 German Shepherds, 6 Pointers, 5 Turkish Tazis, 5 Setters, 7 Malinois, and 5 Golden Retrievers (a total 40 dogs) of 3 to 4 years age were used as research materials, all of which were under same management and feeding conditions. All dogs were on diets appropriate for gestation and lactation periods. Adequate milk volume could be collected 2-3 weeks after parturition, and there were no known medical problems. Each day's samples were kept capped and refrigerated after being collected. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron, were analyzed by using Varian Brand 30/40 model AAS device. 
 Results: The Ca, K, Na, Zn, Mn and Fe levels of milk samples from different dog breeds were found to have no significant difference . The highest Mg level was determined in Pointer breed milk samples, and the lowest was determined in Setter milk samples. The highest Cu levels amongst the inspected races were in Labrador milk samples, whereas the lowest levels were determined in Setter breeds. 
 Conclusion:This data shows that most of the analyzed milk content of different breeds of dogs did not change significantly during the same lactation period, and any present difference could be taken into account when evaluating breeding studies.