Micromineral Concentrations Research Articles

Avaliação de minerais essenciais e análise físico-química do mel fresco de origem floral produzido por Apis mellifera

Honey is one of the best nutritious substances in the world, having different services in the body functions regulation. Ten elements (K, Na, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se) from honey samples were analyzed from 80 different locations of Punjab and ten floras. The aim of the present study was to determine the quality and quantity of minerals and Physico-chemical analysis in honey. A flame photometer was used to measure the concentration of major minerals (K, Ca and Na). The concentration of micro minerals (Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se) was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The concentration of macro-elements obtained was as follow (in ppm): K (166-1732), Na (107-418) and Ca (07-99), while the concentration of microelements (in ppm) Co (1-2), Cr (>1), Mn (<1), Mo (1.818), Ni (1.911), Pb (<1) and Se (1.968). The most abundant minerals were potassium, calcium and sodium, ranging between 396-810.5, 17.5-640.63 and 169.88-238.62 ppm, respectively. However, the trace mineral elements of honey were obtained in the order of decreasing Se > Co > Ni > Pb > Cr > Mo > Mn. The findings showed that all the heavy metals like Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were present in trace amounts and close to International Honey Quality Standard. The result of given honey samples represented highest value of moisture (31.23%), color (80 mm pfund), pH (8.23), acidity (72.02 meq/kg), electrical conductivity (0.85 ms/cm) and ash contents (0.83%).

Variation of Mineral Composition in Different Fruit Parts of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.).

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), belonging to family Cucurbitaceae, is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. In the present study, fruits (and its parts-epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, seed, and whole fruit) of 56 accessions and 4 cultivars of Momordica spp. were assayed and compared for macro-minerals magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca), and microminerals iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). Potassium was the most abundant macro-mineral found in whole fruit ranging from 78.40 to 483.49mg/100g dry weight (DW), followed by Mg (13.23-101.70mg/100g DW) in epicarp, P (32.22-98.24mg/100g DW) in endocarp, Ca (23.41-71.39mg/100g DW) in whole fruit, and Na (6.09-18.56mg/100g DW) in epicarp. The concentration of microminerals was recorded higher in seeds compared to other fruit parts. Levels of Fe were higher (0.76-6.14mg/100g DW), followed by Zn (0.87-2.64mg/100g DW), Cu (137.68-525.45µg/100g DW), and Mn (46.92-179.05µg/100g DW). The analysis depicted bitter gourd to be a potential source of both macro-minerals (K and Mg) and microminerals (Fe and Zn). The consumption of bitter gourd could be a health-promoting strategy to meet daily dietary intake requirements of essential minerals for human health.

Seleção de genótipos de feijão com maior concentração de macro e microminerais nos grãos

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes of different grain types as to macro- and micromineral concentrations, as well as to select superior genotypes by the multiplicative index. A total of 22 common bean genotypes were evaluated in experiments carried out in the dry and rainy seasons. The concentration of six minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper) was determined, and the multiplicative index was applied to individual and combined experiments. There was a significant effect of the genotype × environment interaction on the concentration of all minerals, and, when the genotype effect was decomposed into grain types, the genotypes differed as to the concentration of three or more minerals. There is genetic variability in the concentration of macro- and microminerals in the common bean genotypes evaluated in the dry and rainy seasons. In the combined experiments, high heritability estimates (≥ 62.60%) and a greater total genetic gain (283.59%) are observed. The multiplicative index applied to combined experiments allows the selection of superior common bean genotypes of the following grain types: red (Amendoim comprido and Light Red Kidney), cranberry ('BRS Executivo' and 'Hooter'), and carioca ('IPR Siriri'), which have high phosphorus and iron concentrations; Amendoim comprido also stands out for its high potassium concentration.

Biochemical Profile, Micro-mineral Status and Metallothionein Expression in Abattoir Buffaloes Environmentally Exposed to Heavy Metals

Background: The present study was planned to assess the biochemical and micro-minerals profile in blood and other tissues of buffaloes environmentally exposed to heavy metals. Methods: Tissues (liver and kidney) and blood samples (n=50) were collected from local abattoir. Based on the level of heavy metals, animals were classified as exposed and control was found to have heavy metals in normal range. Blood and tissue sample from both groups were analyzed for micro-minerals, antioxidant status, metabolic profile and expression of metallothionein-2 (MT-2).Result: Exposed group was found to have significantly (p less than 0.05) higher level of arsenic and chromium as compared to the control group. Level of Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were observed to be significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in exposed animals as compared to control but their concentrations were below the permissible limit in both the groups. Cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) level were normal in all tissues but Fe level was lower than permissible limit in blood. Malonldialdehyde (MDA), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was found to be significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in tissues and blood of exposed group. The exposed buffaloes were found to have significantly (p less than 0.05) increased glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine level as compared to control group. Fold change expression of metallothionein (MT-2), had maximum in liver, followed by kidney and blood as compared to control group. The study concluded that heavy metals exposure and low concentration of micro-minerals in buffaloes could result in oxidative damage and alterations in the expression of metallothionein.

Effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate in sow diets on epigenetic modification and growth of progeny.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate (MMHAC) partially replacing inorganic trace minerals in sow diets on epigenetic and transcriptional changes in the muscle and jejunum of progeny. The MMHAC is zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) chelated with methionine hydroxy analog (Zn-, Mn-, and Cu-methionine hydroxy analog chelate [MHAC]). On day 35 of gestation, 60 pregnant sows were allotted to two dietary treatments in a randomized completed block design using parity as a block: 1) ITM: inorganic trace minerals with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), manganese oxide (MnO), and copper sulfate (CuSO4) and 2) CTM: 50% of ITM was replaced with MMHAC (MINTREX trace minerals, Novus International Inc., St Charles, MO). Gestation and lactation diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC requirements. On days 1 and 18 of lactation, milk samples from 16 sows per treatment were collected to measure immunoglobulins (immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M) and micromineral concentrations. Two pigs per litter were selected to collect blood to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins in the serum, and then euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa, jejunum tissues, and longissimus muscle to measure global deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, histone acetylation, cytokines, and jejunal histomorphology at birth and day 18 of lactation. Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED of SAS. Supplementation of MMHAC tended to decrease (P = 0.059) body weight (BW) loss of sows during lactation and tended to increase (P = 0.098) piglet BW on day 18 of lactation. Supplementation of MMHAC increased (P < 0.05) global histone acetylation and tended to decrease myogenic regulatory factor 4 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA; P = 0.068) and delta 4-desaturase sphingolipid1 (DEGS1) mRNA (P = 0.086) in longissimus muscle of piglets at birth. Supplementation of MMHAC decreased (P < 0.05) nuclear factor kappa B mRNA in the jejunum and DEGS1 mRNA in longissimus muscle and tended to decrease mucin-2 (MUC2) mRNA (P = 0.057) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA (P = 0.057) in the jejunum of piglets on day 18 of lactation. There were, however, no changes in the amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, TGF-β, MUC2, and myogenic factor 6 in the tissues by MMHAC. In conclusion, maternal supplementation of MMHAC could contribute to histone acetylation and programming in the fetus, which potentially regulates intestinal health and skeletal muscle development of piglets at birth and weaning, possibly leading to enhanced growth of their piglets.

Seasonal influence on mineral concentration of forages on flooded pastures in South Sumatra, Indonesia

This study was conducted to evaluate macro- and micro-mineral concentrations in forages growing on seasonally flooded native pastures in non-tidal swamps of South Sumatra, Indonesia and grazed by buffalo. The upper part of native forage plants from 5 species of Poaceae, 4 species of Leguminosae, 3 species of Cyperaceae and 1 species of Onagraceae were sampled by hand-plucking during flooded and dry seasons. The results showed that mineral concentrations of forages varied greatly between seasons. In general concentrations of most minerals were adequate to supply the dietary needs of grazing ruminants in both wet and dry seasons. Phosphorus (P) concentrations were low in all species in both wet and dry seasons but growing animals should select a diet adequate in P, while lactating females could benefit from P supplementation. In cut-and-carry situations, animals would probably respond to additional P in the diet. These hypotheses need testing in the field.

Diversity in Micromineral Distribution Within the Body of Ornamental Fish Species.

This study was conducted to compare micromineral homeostasis across ornamental fish species. Ten different species (n = 3, total = 30) of live ornamental fish were randomly sampled from one big aquarium in a pet store in Belgium. All fish samples were dissected manually for the collection of targeted tissues. The tissue samples were ashed by microwave oven, and the extract was analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fe was associated with Cu in muscle tissue (p < 0.05), but neither of them were associated with Zn in the muscle. However, the three micromineral concentrations were correlated in the heart (p < 0.05). Similarly, all of them were correlated in the liver (p < 0.05), but none of them showed a significant association in the tail fin. Excess deposition of minerals in heart tissue is a new observation, and it is not known if this is meant as storage or rather the fish heart has a high requirement for microminerals. Storage in the tail fin should be interpreted as a sign of permanent deposition as a tool to dispose off toxic excess. The lack of correlation between the muscular concentrations of Zn on the one hand, and those of Fe and Cu on the other hand, further suggests that fish species distinctly differ in their micromineral metabolism. Although this exploratory study still leaves many questions unanswered, it points to the large diversity in micromineral metabolism among fish species.

Mineral Elements in the Raw Milk of Several Dairy Farms in the Province of Alberta.

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of 20 minerals in the whole raw milk from Holstein dairy cows in the province of Alberta, Canada. A total of 156 milk samples were collected from 26 dairy farms (n = 6 per farm) and analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for five macrominerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na), ten microminerals (Bo, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ru, Se, St, and Zn), and five heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, and Pb). Calculated means were compared with their recommended daily intakes (RDIs) or minimal risk levels (MRLs) obtained from several food safety agencies and with data obtained from a world meta-analytical study we conducted previously. Results of the present study showed differences in the concentrations of multiple minerals between the Alberta farms involved and world averages (WA) and within Alberta farms. Concentrations of macrominerals, including Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na, in the raw milk were greater in Alberta dairy farms than the WA (p < 00.5; except Ca). Of note, concentrations of Ca showed the highest variability among Alberta farms, with 11 farms having lower milk Ca than WA. The other macrominerals were higher than WA in more than 88% of Alberta farms. Data demonstrated that concentrations of microminerals, including Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mo, in Alberta raw milk were lower compared with WA (p < 0.05). Selenium was the only element in raw milk that was found to have higher concentrations in all farms in Alberta vs. WA. High variability was observed for B, Sr, and Zn, which were lower in multiple locations around the province. Concentrations of heavy metals in the Alberta raw milk, including Al, As, Cd, and Pb, were lower than WA, whereas concentrations of Cr were higher. Most importantly, all heavy metals were below their respective MRLs in all analyzed samples. Overall, data from this study showed that raw milk from Holstein dairy cows in Alberta has concentrations of most mineral elements below their MRLs and some of them different from WA. Of note, although concentrations of Se and Zn in the raw milk were higher in Alberta compared with WA, their concentrations were still below their respective MRLs.

Changes in macro‐ and micromineral concentrations in herbage during the harvesting and conservation processes

AbstractThe changes in macromineral (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl and S) and micromineral (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co and Se) concentrations in herbage were followed during the harvesting and conservation processes of barn‐ and field‐dried hay and silage. In total, 131 herbage samples originating from 50 harvests were collected in fresh form before mowing, in wilted form at harvest and in conserved form after storage. During the harvesting process, initial Ca, Mg and Zn concentrations in herbage decreased by 7–17% for barn‐dried hay, and initial Ca concentration decreased by 7% in herbage for silage (explained by losses of mineral‐rich and fragile plants or plant parts during the mechanical treatments). During the conservation process, mineral concentrations remained stable in barn‐dried hay, but macro‐ and micromineral concentrations increased on average by 6% and 31%, respectively, in silage (explained by loss of fermentable nutrients). Overall, in conserved hay (field‐ and barn‐dried hay), concentrations were decreased as follows: Ca 25%, Mg 15%, Cu 9% and Zn 12%; and in silage, concentrations increased as follows: Mg 12%, Na 33%, Mn 65%, Zn 13% and Se 27%, relative to the initial fresh form. During the harvesting process, ash, Fe and Co concentrations increased by factors of 0.29, 7.6 and 8.8 in wilted herbage for silage. Iron and Co concentrations in wilted and conserved herbage were linearly correlated with increasing ash concentration from a breakpoint of 100 g/kg dry matter, indicative of increasing soil contamination.

UTILIZATION OF YOUNG GREEN BARLEY AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF SOME NUTRITION SUBSTANCES

Young green barley powderis one the best functional food of providing nutrition and eliminating toxin from cells in human beings, however its functional ingredients have played an important role as health benefit. Young green barley powderandwheat flour (72% extraction)were analyzed for their proximate chemical composition, mineral elements and amino acids contents to evaluate their importance in human nutrition. The results showed that young green barley powder and wheat flour(72% extraction) contains appreciable amount of essential nutrients whereas the ether extract content, crude protein, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrates were 3.23%, 21.15%, 9.37%, 17.53% and 48.72% as well as 1.40, 11.69, 0.60, 0.65 and 85.66% (on dry weight basis), respectively. Also young green barley powder had high contains of macro mineral elements i.e. Ca, K, P, Mg and Na , high concentration of micro minerals' i.e. Fe and Zn, besides amino acids such as arginine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, leucine, valine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, serine, threonine and aspartic acid. Five levels of young green barley powder (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) were used to replace wheat flour (72%) in order to produce shamy bread. The obtained results showed that, as the level of substitution increase, all components increased except total carbohydrates. In addition, four levels of young green barley juice (10, 20, 30 and 40%) were used to replacecantaloupe juice. It can be concluded that consumption of young green barley in shamy bread or cantaloupe juice in different combinations could provide a reasonable daily recommended amount of essential nutrients for maintenance of healthy life and normal body functioning.

Minerals and Heavy Metals in the Whole Raw Milk of Dairy Cows from Different Management Systems and Countries of Origin: A Meta-Analytical Study.

The objective of this meta-analytical study was to investigate selected macrominerals, microminerals, and toxic heavy metals in the bovine whole-raw-milk (WRM) samples of published data. An analytical data set was constructed from 72 different studies from 37 countries with two types of production systems: a conventional production system (CPS) and an organic production system (OPS) compared with commercially available or retail-store-available milk (COM). Results of the meta-analytical study showed differences in the concentrations of macrominerals. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, and P were greater in the CPS samples, whereas Na was greater in the COM samples ( P < 0.05). Data also demonstrated that concentrations of microminerals like Cu, I, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in the organic WRM were lower ( P < 0.05) compared with the milk from CPS. The highest concentration of Ni was reported for COM ( P < 0.05); however, this value was below the minimum-risk level (MRL). Concentrations of heavy metals like As and Ni were greater in CPS milk than those in organic milk ( P < 0.05). In addition, there were greater concentrations of Cd and Pb in the WRM from CPS versus that from the organic farms. Concentration of Al was lowest in the OPS milk versus Al in the CPS which was 6.5-fold greater than in organic milk. The amount of Hg was below the MRL of 0.01 μmol/L for all production systems. A high variability was observed in the published data regarding the country of origin. Raw milk originating from Europe and North America was characterized by concentrations of macro- and microminerals below the MRLs as compared with that from specific countries, which had some minerals above the MRLs. For example, concentrations of Pb were above the MRL in the milk samples from Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. Moreover, data from this study indicate that organic dairy farms are characterized by lower concentrations of toxic heavy metals in the WRM compared with those from CPS dairy farms.

Variation in carbohydrate and protein fractions, energy, digestibility and mineral concentrations in stover of sorghum cultivars

The nutritional attributes of stover from 11 sorghum cultivars ( SP 18005A x 220-2,3,6,7; PC-5; GGUB44 x SSG-59-3; ICSV-700; CSV-17; NRF-526; FM-1; SPV-1616; PVK-809; UPMC-503; and HC-308 ), selected on the basis of their diverse genetic backgrounds and use, were evaluated to aid in selecting parents superior in protein concentration and digestibility for use in sorghum breeding programs. Samples of stovers were collected after grain harvesting and analyzed. The CP concentrations in different cultivars differed (3.7‒6.7%; P<0.05) as did NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin concentrations (P<0.05). Total carbohydrate, non-structural carbohydrate and structural carbohydrate concentrations differed (P<0.05) amongst cultivars as did carbohydrate fractions (C A , C B1 , C B2 , C C ; P<0.05). Protein fractions (P B1 , P B2 , P B3 and P C ) except P A differed (P<0.05). Concentrations of stover protein fractions P A and P B3 were lower than P B1 , P B2 and P C . Unavailable protein fraction P C was highest (P<0.05) in stover of SPV-1616 (36.8% CP) and lowest in ICSV-700 (20.4% CP). Concentrations of gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) varied (P<0.05) and ICSV-700 had highest concentrations of DE, ME and TDN (2.60 kcal/g DM, 2.13 kcal/g DM and 59.0%, respectively). Energetic efficiency for maintenance (NE M ), lactation (NE L ) and growth (NE G ) differed (P<0.05) with ranges of 1.13‒1.42, 0.41‒0.70 and 0.95‒1.33 kcal/g DM, respectively. Values for estimated DM intake, estimated digestible DM and relative feed value for stovers also varied (P<0.05) with ranges of 1.76‒2.19%, 55.3‒61.4% and 75.4‒104.1%, respectively. In vitro dry matter digestibility was highest (P<0.05) for cultivars PVK-809 (55.7%) and ICSV-700 (54.3%). Macro- and micro-mineral concentrations also differed (P<0.05) across cultivar stovers. The wide genetic variability for nutritional attributes in stovers of sorghum cultivars indicates significant potential for improvement of stover quality through sorghum improvement programs, but care needs to be taken that grain and stover yields do not suffer. Keywords : Energy values, nutritive value, sorghum stover, yields. DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(6)42-52

Reducing mineral usage in feedlot diets for Nellore cattle: II. Impacts of calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc contents on intake, performance, and liver and bone status1

Weaned Nellore bulls ( = 36; 274 ± 34 kg) were used in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate intake, fecal excretion, and performance with different concentrations of minerals. Experimental diets were formulated with 2 concentrations of Ca and P (macromineral factor; diet supplying 100% of Ca and P according to BR-CORTE () [CaP+] or diet without limestone and dicalcium phosphate [CaP-]) and 2 concentrations of microminerals (micromineral factor; diet with supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn+] or diet without supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn-]). The factor CaP- was formulated without the addition of limestone and dicalcium phosphate, and the factor CuMnZn- was formulated without inorganic supplementation of microminerals (premix). The diets were isonitrogenous (13.3% CP). Intake was individually monitored every day. Indigestible NDF was used as an internal marker for digestibility estimates. The bulls were slaughtered (84 or 147 d on feed), and then carcass characteristics were measured and liver and rib samples were collected. Feed, feces, rib bones, and liver samples were analyzed for DM, ash, CP, ether extract (EE), Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu. There were no significant interactions ( ≥ 0.06) between macro- and micromineral supplementation for any variables in the study. Calcium, P, and micromineral concentrations did not affect ( ≥ 0.20) intake of DM, OM, NDF, EE, CP, TDN, and nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC). Calcium and P intake were affected ( < 0.01) by macromineral factor. Animals fed without Ca and P supplementation consumed less of these minerals. Dry matter and nutrient fecal excretion (OM, NDF, EE, CP, and NFC) were similar ( ≥ 0.23) among all factors. Performance and carcass characteristics were similar ( ≥ 0.09) among diets. The content of ash in rib bones was not affected by diets ( ≥ 0.06). Plasma P and phosphatase alkaline concentrations were similar ( ≥ 0.52) among diets. Supplementation of microminerals decreased ( < 0.01) plasma Ca concentration; nevertheless, all analyzed blood metabolites were within the reference values. Supplementation of Ca and P increased ( < 0.01) fecal excretion of these minerals. These results indicate that mineral supplementation (Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu) of conventional feedlot diets for Nellore bulls may be not necessary. Dietary reductions in these minerals would represent a decrease in the cost of feedlot diets. Dietary reduction in Ca and P content cause a decrease in fecal excretion of these minerals, which, in turn, represents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot operations.

Micro mineral distribution on fiber fraction of feeds

This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of micro minerals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Co and Cu) of feeds and their distribution in fiber fractions (Neutral Detergent Fiber/NDF and Acid Detergent Fiber/ADF). Three species of common feeds namely ground nut cake (Arachis hypogaea), mustard cake (Brassica juncea), soybean meal (Glycine max), were collected. Micro minerals concentration in the feed samples and fiber fractions were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) Icap 6000 Series. The results showed that micro minerals concentration of feed and their distribution in fiber fraction varied among species. The concentration of all the minerals in feed was above the critical level. Distribution of micro minerals in NDF and ADF were also estimated. Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc(Zn), in feeds were the highest elements associated in NDF and ADF, while the lowest was found in cobalt (Co) and manganese(Mn).

Teores de cobre, zinco e ferro no fígado de búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) com paratuberculose

Resumo: Com o objetivo de realizar um estudo dos teores de cobre (Cu), zinco (Zn) e ferro (Fe) em búfalas com paratuberculose (PTB) foram utilizadas 13 búfalas, das raças Murrah, Mediterrâneo e seus mestiços acima de três anos de idade, pertencentes a duas propriedades localizadas nos municípios de São Luiz e São Mateus, no Estado do Maranhão. Os animais foram selecionados de acordo com a presença de sinais clínicos sugestivos de paratuberculose, caracterizados por estado nutricional regular a ruim, diarreia crônica líquida a semi-líquida, desidratação, edema submandibular, anestro prolongado, mastites e verminose gastrintestinal. Foi realizada biópsia retal em todos os animais, para detecção de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) por meio da qPCR, e exames histopatológicos (HE e Ziehl-Neelsen). No Grupo1 sete animais foram positivos para presença de Map, e no Grupo 2 seis foram negativos. Todos os búfalos foram eutanasiados e necropsiados para coleta de diversos tecidos. Parte dos fragmentos foram fixados em formol a 10% para histopatologia e fragmentos de tecido hepático foram congelados para as dosagens dos microminerais (Cu, Zn e Fe). À necropsia todos os animais positivos para PTB apresentavam linfonodos mesentéricos de coloração castanha sugestiva de hemossiderose. Adicionalmente, em um animal foram observados pequenos pontos de cor marrom distribuídos difusamente na mucosa do intestino delgado. Na histopatologia foi observada hemossiderose moderada a acentuada no baço dos animais do Grupo 1. Na dosagem dos microminerais todos os animais com PTB apresentaram níveis abaixo dos valores de referência para Cu e Zn. Observou-se que a média dos teores de Cu dos búfalos com PTB foi 18,0ppm e de Zn 68,6ppm. No Grupo 2 a média dos teores de Cu foi 113,7ppm e de Zn 110,0ppm. Os teores de Fe em ambos os grupos foram elevados (&gt;670ppm). Baseado nos achados clínico-patológicos e nas dosagens de minerais realizadas neste estudo, conclui-se que na região estudada, a PTB agravou o quadro clínico de animais com deficiência de Cu e Zn. Em áreas menos deficientes desses minerais sugere-se que a doença seja capaz de induzir quadros de deficiência mineral secundária.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of human deciduous teeth samples.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis of human deciduous teeth has been performed by employing Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 ns) for the evaluation of plasma parameters as well as elemental analysis. The plasma parameters, i.e., electron temperature and electron number density of laser-induced teeth plasma at various fluencies, have been evaluated. Both parameters show an increasing trend up to a certain value of laser fluence, i.e., 2.6 J/cm(2). With further increase in laser fluence up to a value of 3.9 J/cm(2), a decreasing trend is observed which is due to shielding effect. With further increase in laser fluence up to a maximum value of 10.5 J/cm(2), the insignificant changes in plasma parameters are observed which are attributed to saturation phenomenon governed by self-regulating regime. Emission spectroscopy results exhibit that laser fluence is the controlling factor for both plasma parameters. The elemental analysis was also performed at constant laser fluence of 2.6 J/cm(2) by evaluating the variation in detected elemental concentration of Ca, Fe, Sr, Zn, and Pb in three different parts of human teeth, i.e., enamel, dentine, and cementum. The lower concentration of Ca as compared to the standard values of CaCO3 (self-fabricated pellet) reveals that enamel is the most deciduous part of the human teeth. However, at the same time, it is also observed that the highest concentration of micro minerals is also found in enamel, then in dentine, and lowest in cementum. Carious or unhealthy tooth is identified by enhanced concentration of micro minerals (Pb, Sr, Zn, and Fe). The highest concentration of micro minerals as compared to other parts of teeth (dentine and root cementum) and lower concentration of Ca as compared to standard CaCO3 pellet in enamel confirm that enamel is the most deciduous part of the teeth.

The Use of Local Mineral Formulas as a Feed Block Supplement for Beef Cattle Fed on Wild Forages

The present research was carried out to study the diversity of mineral contents of wild forages and to evaluate the beneficial effect of mineral feed supplement formulated by using locally available materials on the performances of beef cattle. The present research was initiated by analyzing mineral contents of wild forages grown around Limau Manis campus areas. Forage samples were collected at 9 sampling areas scattered at plantation, conservation and idle lands. Samples were then analyzed for macro minerals of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, and S and micro minerals of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. Feeding trial was then conducted to evaluate the beneficial effect of supplementation of local mineral formulas (LMF) produced by using locally available materials on the performances of cattle. Feeding trial was conducted for 6 weeks by using 9 Simmentals cross bred heifers. The trial consisted of 3 treatments, i.e., P1: only grass without supplementation, P2: grass + LMF and P3: grass + mineral premix enriched LMF. Variables measured were: body weight, feed intake, FCR, feed cost and net return. Results showed that the highest macro mineral content of wild forages was Na of about 13.05±2.22 g/kg, varied from 4.1 to 23.8 g/kg, followed by K (11.09±1.43 g/kg) and Ca (6.10±1.09 g/kg DM). Three minerals of Mg, P, and S were found in relatively small concentrations of 1.34±0.30, 0.83±0.23, and 0.17±0.01 g/kg, respectively. Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were found in relatively high concentrations. The highest concentration of micro minerals was Fe of about 613.8±128.9 mg/kg, followed by Mn of 143.9±23.3 mg/kg, while Zn and Cu were found in relatively small amount of about 31.3±5.5 and 13.2±2.5 mg/kg, respectively. Heifers supplemented with LMF (P2) and mineral premix enriched LMF (P3) showed higher body weight gain, lower FCR and net return than those cattle fed only grass (P1). The most profitable feeding strategy was by supplementation of heifers with mineral premix enriched LMF.

CHEMICAL STUDIES ON PURSLANE AND WHITE MULBERRY LEAVES

Purslane and white mulberry leaves were analyzed for their proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and amino acids content to evaluate their importance in human nutrition. The results showed that purslane and white mulberry leaves contain appreciable amount of essential nutrients. Moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and ash content in purslane were 4.93, 52.86, 23, 6.34, 10 and 17.80, respectively, and 12.02, 59.75, 21, 4.83, 15 and 14.42 for mulberry leaves(on dry weight basis).also high concentration of macro minerals Ca were(1.2 and 3.6%), K (5.6 and 1.16 % ) and Na (2 and 0.79%) , high concentration of micro minerals' Fe were (0.255 and 0.260 %) and Zn (0.030 and 0.022 %) ,respectively . The dietary purslane oil consisted mainly of oleic acid, linoleic acid, plamitic acid, arahidic acid and capric. On the other hand fatty acids composition of white mulberry leaves consisted mainly of arahidic, plamitic, linoleic, and capric and oleic. High concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were recorded. White mulberry leaves contain essential amino acids lysine and non-essential amino acids glutamic and aspartic. From this study, it could be concluded that consumption of purslane and white mulberry leaves in different quantities could provide a reasonable daily recommended amount of essential nutrients for maintenance of healthy life and normal body functions.

Trace elements in native shrubs consumed by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northeastern Mexico

The contents of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were seasonally determined in the leaves of the native shrubs – Castela erecta, Celtis pallida, Forestiera angustifolia, Lantana macropoda, and Zanthoxylum fagara – that are browsed by the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The study was conducted at the Tamaulipan thornscrub region, northeastern Mexico, between summer 2004 and spring 2006. Leaf tissues were collected from three county sites (China, Linares, and Los Ramones). Mineral contents were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All minerals, in all plants, were significantly different among sites, seasons, and years, as well as the double and triple interactions. In general, plants at the Linares site, that had the highest rainfall, had higher trace element content. Moreover, during the second year, all plant species were higher in micromineral content. Furthermore, during summer were also higher. Regardless of spatiotemporal variations, all plants had suitable levels of Fe and Mn to satisfy the adult range of white-tailed deer requirements. The Cu and Zn presented marginal deficiency in some plants especially during dry seasons (winter and spring). Seasonal variations in minerals could be associated to soil water deficits, excessive irradiance during summer, and extreme low temperatures during winter and spring that could have affected leaf development and micromineral concentrations.

Deficiência de cobre condicionada a altos teores de zinco, manganês e ferro na região do Médio Paraíba, RJ, Brasil

Concentrations of microminerals in the soils, pastures, and sera of adult and young bovines were determined in 7 areas of Middle Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that showed a history of low reproductive performance, marked weight loss of cows after calving, allotriophagy, and changes in pelage color. The animals were subjected to clinical evaluation, and the main signs were as follows: regular to poor general condition, anemia, alopecia, depigmentation of the pelage in adult animals, discolored pelage (reddish) in dark animals, and thinning and loss of hair around the eyes. Calves showed bad general appearance, retarded development, and rough, dry, and spiked hair. There were other evident signs such as craving and consumption of foreign material such as soil, wood, or bones. After the interview with the owners and on-site evaluation of the herds, soil samples, forages, and blood serum samples were obtained for analysis of macro and micronutrients in 2 different periods: May/June (end of the rainy season–autumn) and October/November (end of dry season–spring). The findings of soil (3.03 ± 1.72/3.13 ± 1.22 mg/ dm3) and forage (11.91 ± 2.92/13.6 ± 5.23 ppm) samples indicated normal and high levels of copper, respectively, in most of the pastures which is contrary to the clinical signs of deficiency observed in the animals. However, the copper levels in serum were lower than normal (0.42 ± 0.14/0.45 ± 0.17 ppm) in majority of the animals, in periods of evaluation and for all properties. Excessively high values of iron, zinc, and manganese were found in soil and pasture samples, which could have probably been acting as antagonists of copper absorption, resulting in a conditioned deficiency.