Macromineral Concentrations Research Articles

State analysis of a biobased hydrogel subjected to freeze and thaw processes by X ray absorption spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation

Freezing hydrogels can compromise their network structures and modify their properties as a result of ice crystal formation. Therefore, understanding the internal structure, including ice crystals and the state of chemical components within hydrogels, is essential. In this study, we evaluated the elemental distribution in bio-based hydrogels subjected to freezing-thaw process using X-ray absorption spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation. A bio-based hydrogel, prepared from Alaska pollock, underwent both slow and rapid freezing processes. Tomographic images and linear X-ray absorption coefficient distributions of the rapidly frozen hydrogel displayed a uniform image with a mean absorption coefficient of 2.81 cm−1. Conversely, the slowly frozen sample exhibited distinct contrasts with peaks at 2.516 cm−1 (dark) and 3.691 cm−1 (bright), occupying 28% and 72% of the image, respectively. The mean absorption coefficient of the slowly frozen sample was comparable to that of the rapidly frozen sample, indicating no elemental loss. The elements within the hydrogel were categorized into organic elements, macrominerals, and trace elements. The bright areas in the images were attributed to the concentration of macrominerals. Notably, Cl and Na were the primary contributors to the absorption coefficients among the elements present, signifying salt migration during freezing. These findings suggest that the contrast observed in X-ray computed tomography images after freezing reflects the elemental distribution within the hydrogel and successfully demonstrates element localization due to cryoconcentration.

Chemometrics, health and environmental risk assessments of commonly consumed biscuits in Lagos and Ibadan metropolises, Southwestern Nigeria

The United Nations' Agenda 2030 for sustainable development calls, amongst others, for universal action toward ending malnutrition and ensuring healthy living and well-being for all. So, efforts have intensified to attain the sustainable development goal-2 targets on stunting and wasting in children. Reported herein, therefore, is the quantification of metals in biscuits. Biscuits are commonly consumed snacks world-over and have become sources of nourishment for children and adults due to growing sedentary lifestyles and hectic school/work schedules. Nine metals (Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Zn, Fe, Na, Mg and Ca) were assayed in six biscuit types (crackers, cookies, shortcakes, digestives, cabins and wafers) via wet digestion and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the ensuing data subjected to multivariate analyses (analysis of variance, Tukey's test, Pearson correlation, and principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses). The highest concentrations of macrominerals were found in the wafers (Ca), crackers (Na) and cabins (Mg) whereas the micronutrients peaked in the cookies (Fe, Zn), crackers (Cu), shortcake (Co) and wafers (Ni), respectively. The metal levels in the sampled biscuits were all safe for consumption, except for Pb at 0.83 ± 0.76–2.3 ± 1.3 mg/kg. Similarly, the health risk assessments of ingesting metals from the biscuits exposed Pb as potentially liable to cause adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects in children (aged 4–20 years) but Co and Ni exhibited borderline non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, respectively, in children. Gratifyingly, the ecological risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood of wastes, from expired and/or egested potentially toxic metals-contaminated biscuits, to cause damage to ecology were categorized as low. Nonetheless, constant evaluation and monitoring remain germane.

In vitro immersion study and characterization of biomimetic bovine hydroxyapatite scaffolds: Influence of calcination temperature (600 and 1000 °C) on apatite formation

This work reports on the properties of natural bovine hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds calcined at temperatures of 600 and 1000 °C and on the effects of apatite formation on these calcined scaffolds during immersion experiments in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) from 0 to 28 days. The study systematically identifies different mechanisms that determine the formation of the apatite layer. First, compositional analysis of the scaffolds by inductively couple plasma (ICP) reveals significant differences in macromineral content, which includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. Subsequent X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the presence of hydroxyapatite in both scaffolds, while the 1000 °C sample has additional β-whitlockite due to the higher calcination temperature. Further investigation by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman analyzes revealed carbonated HAp in the 600 °C scaffolds and characteristic bands of HAp in the 1000 °C scaffolds. Morphological changes during immersion, documented by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, display leaf-like and cauliflower-like structures in the 600 °C sample and rash-like features leading to leaf-type apatite formation in the 1000 °C sample. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) showed elongated crystals in both samples, confirming exclusive HAp presence in the 600 °C sample and the coexistence of HAp and β-whitlockite phases in the 1000 °C sample. After 28 days of immersion, TEM images at 600 °C reveal ordered apatite particles, while the 1000 °C images exhibit random apatite formation, confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy in TEM (EDS-TEM). In addition, both scaffolds calcined at 600 and 1000 °C showed biocompatibility, as cytotoxicity tests confirmed a remarkable 100 % cell viability, underlining their non-toxicity. The scaffolds calcined at 600 and 1000 °C therefore exhibit high bioactivity and viability, supporting their suitability for bone tissue engineering applications.

Day-to-day variation in trace and macro-mineral concentrations in corn and mixed grass–legume silages of Canadian commercial dairy herds

The aims were to assess the day-to-day variation in trace minerals (TM), macro-minerals, dry matter, and physical effectiveness factor in grass–legume and corn silages and to evaluate the variance partition. Grass–legume and corn silage samples were collected in nine Canadian dairy herds during two episodes of five consecutive days at 4 weeks apart by the same individual. All variables were analyzed in duplicate. The proportion of variation due to the farm was more variable within TM than macro-minerals. Using TM software reference values of silages for formulating rations can lead to important errors. Except for physical effectiveness factor, the within-farm variations between sampling episodes were more marked for mixed grass–legume than corn silage. For most of the minerals and nutrients analyzed, the sampling + day-to-day variations were the main source of variability, accounting for over 50% of the within-farm variance for both silage types. The remaining within-farm variance was explained by subsampling and laboratory analyses. The high within-herd variation suggests that a silage sampling over more than 1 day can be useful to get a representative sample for TM analysis. Accurate nutrients and TM values when formulating cow diets is essential to cow health and productivity.

Proximate and Macromineral Content of Gastropods in the Mangrove Area of Desa Bakau Sambas Regency

Gastropods are the largest class of the phylum mollusks, with 75,000 identified species. Gastropods are widely distributed in freshwater, marine waters, and mangrove ecosystems. Gastropods are a fishery commodity with an important economic value containing high protein (36-70.8%) and low fat (0.02-1.50%). This biota has vitamins, essential minerals, omega-3, and omega-6. This research aimed to determine the proximate content (protein, fat, water, ash, and carbohydrates) and macrominerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, and P) in gastropods found in Bakau Village, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. The gastropods found were Ellobium, Cerithidea, and Pirenella. Fifty individuals were taken for proximate analysis. Moisture and ash content were determined by the gravimetric method. Total protein levels were analyzed by the Kjedahl method. The fat content was determined by the Soxhlet method, and the carbohydrate content by the by difference method. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer determined mineral macro. The proximate content of mangrove gastropods in Bakau Village is high in protein (48.06–54.62%) and low in fat (1.31–7.40%). The most elevated protein was 54.62 in Ellobium and Pirenella, with the lowest fat being 1.31%. The macro mineral content in gastropods is Ca (14.91-91.48 mg/kg), Mg (13.16-21.74 mg/kg), Na (8.19-20.62 mg/kg), K (13.07-17.33 mg/kg), and P (0.66-0.71 mg/kg). The highest mineral content was shown by the genus Pirenella (91.48 mg/kg) Ca. Keywords: gastropod, macromineral, mangrove, proximate. Abstrak Gastropoda adalah kelas terbesar dari filum moluska dengan 75.000 jenis yang telah teridentifikasi. Gastropoda terdistribusi luas di perairan tawar, perairan laut, dan ekosistem mangrove. Gastropoda merupakan salah satu komoditas perikanan dengan nilai ekonomis penting yang mengandung protein tinggi (36-70,8%) dan lemak yang rendah (0,02-1,50%). Biota ini juga memiliki vitamin, mineral esensial, omega-3 dan omega-6. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kandungan proksimat (protein, lemak, air, abu, dan karbohidrat) serta makromineral (Na, K, Mg, Ca, dan P) pada gastropoda yang ditemukan di Desa Bakau, Kabupaten Sambas, Kalimantan Barat. Gastropoda yang ditemukan pada penelitian ini adalah Ellobium, Cerithidea, dan Pirenella. Setiap jenis dari gastropoda, masing-masing diambil sebanyak 50 individu untuk dilakukan analisis. Kadar air dan abu ditentukan dengan metode gravimetri. Kadar total protein dianalisis dengan metode Kjedahl. Kadar lemak ditentukan dengan metode soxhlet dan kadar karbohidrat dengan metode by difference. Makro mineral ditentukan dengan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom. Kandungan proksimat dari jenis gastropoda mangrove Desa Bakau adalah tinggi protein (48,06–54,62%), rendah lemak (1,31–7,40%). Protein tertinggi 54,62 pada Ellobium dan Pirenella dengan lemak terendah 1,31%. Kandungan makro mineral pada gastropoda adalah Ca (14,91-91,48 mg/kg), Mg (13,16-21,74 mg/kg), Na (8,19-20,62 mg/kg), K (13,07-17,33 mg/kg), dan P (0,66-0,71 mg/kg). Kandungan mineral tertinggi ditunjukkan oleh genus Pirenella (91,48 mg/kg) Ca. Kata kunci: gastropoda, makromineral, mangrove, proksimat.

Estimating Mineral Requirements of Wild Herbivores: Modelling Arctic Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) in Summer.

Mineral requirements are poorly described for most wildlife. Consequently, the role of forage minerals in movement and productivity are poorly understood for sedentary and migratory ungulates, such as reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We applied estimates of maintenance, lactation, body mass change, and antler growth to production curves (body mass, daily intake, and milk yield) for female caribou to calculate their mineral requirements over summer. The total requirements (mg or g·d-1) were divided by the daily intake (kg·d-1) to estimate the minimum concentration of minerals required in the diet (mg or g·kg-1) to balance demand. The daily requirements (mg·d-1) of all minerals increased from parturition to the end of summer. The minimum dietary concentrations (mg·kg-1) of macro-minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) declined as food intake (kg·d-1) increased over summer. The minimum dietary concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) were heavily influenced by body mass gain, which increased through late lactation even though food intakes rose. Our modeling framework can be applied to other wild ungulates to assess the impacts of changing forage phenology, plant community compositions, or environmental disturbances on movement and productivity.

Unveiling the Compositional Analysis of Green Coffee Beans with and without Silver Skin.

Green Coffee Bean (GCB) is covered with silver skin that is shed as a by-product of the roasting process. For the first time, a comparative study was conducted to differentiate the compositional analysis of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The study aims comparatively assessing nutritional, anti-nutritional and fatty acids composition of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The present study is also intended to find out various organic compounds of green coffee beans. The proximate analysis was used to study nutritional composition. Mineral analysis was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy whereas volumetric and gravimetric analysis was used to determine oxalates and alkaloids. Gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy were used for studying fatty acids and organic compounds, respectively. Protein content was significantly (p<0.05) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, indicating 15% higher protein. Macro mineral content was also found significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, whereby 5.11% higher Phosphorus and 24.12% higher Calcium content was observed. However, iron content was 68.10% lower in green coffee beans with silver skin which might be due to its higher tannin content. Trace minerals zinc and copper were also found to contain 57.18% to 18.11% higher concentrations respectively in silver skin. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed the content of phytic acid and tannin as 161 and 77.29 mg/100g, respectively in green coffee beans with silver skin. The percentages of oxalates and alkaloids were found to be 0.64 and 14.30. These anti-nutritional compounds were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher from green coffee beans without silver skin. Green coffee beans have been found with an utmost number of saturated fatty acids having palmitic acid as the most abundant. The unsaturated part is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid. Chlorogenic acid isomers and caffeine were the organic compounds detected through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These findings reveal the presence of both nutritional and anti-nutritional components in Coffee silver skin, with significantly higher levels of anti-nutritional factors in green coffee with silver skin, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of green coffee and utilization of coffee silver skin as a valuable bioresource.

Applicability of electrical parameters for controlling the quality of skim milk with various dry matter contents

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of concentrating skim milk (10–50 g 100 g−1) on changes in contents of minerals as well as values of physicochemical and structural parameters (pH, total protein, micro- and macro-mineral content, viscosity, particle diameter, micrographs by fractal dimension), electrical parameters: conductivity (Z, G), and dielectric parameters (Cp, Cs). Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the applicability and limitations of electrical parameters as tools for controlling the quality of concentrated skim milk.The obtained results show that as the dry matter content increases, the particle diameter and viscosity increase linearly, while the pH value decreases. The trends for electrical parameters and microstructure, as described by the fractal dimension, were less clear-cut. The electrical parameters suited to control the quality (Cluster 1 and 2 parameters) of concentrated skim milk turned out to be the dielectric parameter (Cs 100 Hz, p < 0.001, r ≈ (−0.8) to 0.9), followed by the conductivity parameter (Z – Cluster 1: p < 0.05, r ≈ 0.38; Cluster 2: p < 0.01, r ≈ −0.52) measured at f = 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 100 kHz. Parameters Cs and Z at f = 100 Hz can be harnessed in practice to develop a simple and cost effective measurement device, which could replace time-consuming and costly assays done using reference methods.

Nutritional Value of Banded Cricket and Mealworm Larvae.

Insect farming is more ecological than traditional animal farming, as it requires less water and contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. In our study, banded cricket (BC) and mealworm larvae (ML) were analyzed. The proximate composition was determined according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The mineral content was determined by colorimetry and mass spectrometry. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were obtained from the samples and separated using a gas chromatography apparatus, coupled with a mass spectrometer. Our research confirmed that insects are a rich source of protein, with ML containing significantly more protein than BC (74.41 and 65.66 g/100 g dry matter (DM), respectively). In terms of the content of macrominerals, ML was significantly richer than BC, especially in terms of magnesium content (8.75 g/100 g DM). In terms of the content of saturated fatty acids, BC contained almost twice as much as ML (40.05 and 24.74% of the sum of fatty acids, respectively). EPA and DHA were only detected in the fat of BC. The presented results prove that both ML and BC can be good sources of protein both in human and companion animal diets. The component that is predominantly high in insects is fat, with a favorable fatty acid profile, especially in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study contributes new knowledge on the nutritional value of edible insects. In this research, we included three different nitrogen conversion factors for crude protein content. Our results partially confirm previous studies by other authors, although they provide new information on the content of fatty acids.

Trace metals and macrominerals in common seaweeds in the Marchica (a restored lagoon, Mediterranean Sea): Nutritional value and health risk assessment

This study investigated the contents of macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and essential trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se) in four species of seaweeds (Gracilaria sp., Alsidium corallinum, Caulerpa prolifera, and Chaetomorpha sp.) from Marchica Lagoon. The contents of macrominerals with mean values (% dw) can be sequenced in this descending order, [Ca > Mg > Na > K > P] for Caulerpa prolifera, and the decreasing sequence [K > Ca > Mg > P > Na] for Chaetomorpha sp. In red seaweeds, Gracilaria sp. and Alsidiumcorallinum followed these orders: [K > Ca > Na > Mg > P] and [K > Na > Ca > Mg > P] respectively. The essential trace metals mean values (mg kg−1) followed the decreasing order [Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Se] for Alsidiumcorallinum, Chaetomorpha sp. and Gracilaria sp., and the following order [Fe > Mn > Zn > Se > Cu] for Caulerpa prolifera. Based on the calculated recommended dietary allowance (RDA), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI), the studied seaweeds did not pose any health risk for human consumption.

Prediction of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia using prepartum serum macromineral concentrations in Saanen and Beetal dairy goats

Prediction of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia using prepartum serum macromineral concentrations in Saanen and Beetal dairy goats

Mineral Composition of Cassava Leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Harvested at Various Periods and Growth Stages, and Its Changes during In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion

Total and bioaccessible minerals in edible cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves (ECLs) harvested at different maturity stages and seasons were assessed by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) variations at maturity stages across seasons. A two-way analysis also showed significant effects of the variety and period of harvest. However, the highest content of total minerals was obtained at 6 months after planting (MAP), except for Mn, Zn, and Cu. The total macromineral contents (mg/100 g) were K (64.14–3532.94), Ca (34.19–543.57), Mg (25.84–365.03), and Na (73.84–727.70), and micromineral contents (μg/100 g) were Mn (779.98–7550.89), Zn (55.47–997.70), Cu (31.76–7288.18), and Fe (8.57–30.85 mg/100 g). The bioaccessibilities of minerals were Fe (0.56–63.85%), Mn (0.49–63.64%), and Zn (1.77–60.82%), while bioaccessibilities of Ca (0.22–48.30%) and Na (1.53–46.80%) were low. Besides, the bioaccessibility of minerals at 6MAP was lower than that in advanced stages of maturity. The variety TMS 96/1414 showed the highest bioaccessible minerals (Mn 93.35 μg/100 g and Cu 53.01 μg/100 g) at 9MAP, while IRAD4115 presented the highest bioaccessible minerals (Fe 7.79 μg/100 g and Zn 133.64 μg/100 g) at 9MAP and 12MAP, respectively. A significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation was found between the total and bioaccessible mineral contents. The study reveals that minerals in ECLs harvested at different stages were bioaccessible, with high values at mature stages, which can be recommended as mineral sources for consumers.

Effects of different row spacings and seeding rates on content of important macro-minerals in forage pea

Effects of different row spacings and seeding rates on content of important macro-minerals in forage pea

Variation in macrominerals and trace elements in cows’ retail milk and implications for consumers nutrition

Based on previous farm-level studies, this study hypothesised that production system (conventional, CON; organic, ORG; channel island, CHA) and season would cause variation in the concentrations of macrominerals and trace elements in retail milk. On average, milk retained its status as an excellent source of Ca, P, I, and Mo across different demographics, and a very good source of K, Mg, and Zn for children. Compared with CON and ORG, CHA milk contained higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn; and lower concentrations of K and I. Macrominerals did not show a clear seasonal pattern but trace elements were all at lower concentrations during the typical grazing season. Variation in mineral concentrations can have implications to Ca and P supply in children, and I and Zn supply across different consumer demographics; while the seasonal variation was more pronounced than that associated with production system.

Physicochemical and mineral contents of honey from Fitche and Addis Ababa districts in Ethiopia

Honey is a food product made by honeybees from nectar or honeydew. It has great benefits both nutritionally and therapeutically. In our study, physicochemical characteristics: moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, hydroxyl-methyl furfural, and reducing sugar were evaluated. Additionally, three macro mineral contents, such as potassium, calcium, and sodium, and other trace minerals like iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and nickel were determined. For the analysis, eight composite samples were collected from Fitche and Addis Ababa districts. The physicochemical characteristics and mineral content were found within the recommended standard ranges except hydroxylmethylfurfural exceeded the maximum limits. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) observed among the study districts for the analyzed physicochemical parameters. Apart from potassium (K) and sodium (Na), the average values of minerals were found with non-significant differences between the districts. Because this work is limited to a few districts, the authors suggest that a nationwide study with representative samples would be helpful.

Proximate and Macro Minerals Content of Gastropods in the Waters of Teluk Cina Lemukutan Island West Kalimantan

Lemukutan Island in West Kalimantan has marine natural resources with a high level of diversity such as seagrass, coral reefs, macroalgae, and gastropods. Gastropods are one of the largest Mollusc phylum groups that are abundant in the waters of Lemukutan Island. Several types of gastropods have been reported to have high economic value and high nutritional content as well as macro minerals such as Na, Ca, K, F, and P. Therefore, these biota are more widely used as food. This study aims to analyze the proximate and mineral content of gastropods (Lambis and Monetaria) from the waters of Lemukutan Island. The moisture content and ash content of the sample were determined by the gravimetric method. The results of the study found that macro mineral content was determined in Lambis and Monetaria by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The protein content in both types of gastropods is quite high. Monetaria has a higher protein content (63.69%) than Lambis (50.06%). However, the fat content in Lambis is 1.88% and Monetaria is 1.14%. The highest mineral content of these two types of gastropods is iron (Fe). Lambis and Monetaria have Fe content of 0.2762 mg/kg and 0.1818 mg/kg, respectively.

Proximate and mineral compositions of the green seaweeds Caulerpa lentilifera and Caulerpa racemosa from South Sulawesi Coast, Indonesia

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and mineral composition of the green seaweeds Caulerpa lentilifera and Caulerpa racemosa collecting from Takalar Water, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Test of proximate analysis of seaweeds observed was ash, protein, lipid, fiber, and carbohydrate. While the test mineral compositions were phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, cuprum, manganese, zinc, ferrum, iodine. The results of the analysis showed that the proximate composition, C. lentilifera had the highest ash content (63.83%) while C. racemosa had the highest carbohydrate content of 38.18%. The results of the mineral analysis showed that C. lentillifera and C. racemosa contained macro and microminerals. The highest macromineral content is Na (10.040% and 16.280%) and followed by K (3.958% and 2.195%), Mg (59.201 ppm and 519.201 ppm), Ca (0.521% and 0.466%) and P (0.270% and 0.335%). The highest microminerals in the two types of seaweed from the largest are Fe (756.1805 and 386.1202 ppm), Mn (59.201 ppm and 519.062 ppm), Zn (10.079 ppm and 3.366 ppm), and Cu (5.496 ppm only in C. racemosa). This study revealed that C. lentilifera and C. racemosa contain constituents with proximate and mineral composition as potential sources of plant foods and good sources of mineral supplements.

Macromineral and trace element concentrations in milk from Finnish Ayrshire cows fed microalgae (Spirulina platensis) and rapeseed (Brassica napus).

Given the lack of research regarding the effect of microalgal supplementation in dairy cows on milk mineral concentrations, this study investigated the effect of feeding different protein supplements in dairy cow diets on milk, feces, and blood plasma mineral concentrations, associated milk and blood plasma transfer efficiencies, and apparent digestibility. Lactating Finnish Ayrshire cows (n = 8) were allocated at the start of the trial to 4 diets used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment: (1) control diet (CON), (2) a pelleted rapeseed supplement (RSS; 2,550 g/d), (3) a mixture of rapeseed and Spirulina platensis (RSAL; 1,280 g of RSS + 570 g of S. platensis per day), and (4) S. platensis (ALG; 1,130 g of S. platensis per day). In each of the 4 experimental periods, a 2-wk adaptation to the experimental diets was followed by a 7-d sampling and measurement period. Feed samples were composited per measurement period, milk, and feed samples (4 consecutive days; d 17-20), and blood plasma samples (d 21) were composited for each cow period (n = 32). Data were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with diet, period within square, square and their interaction as fixed factors, and cow within square as a random factor. Cows fed ALG were not significantly different in their milk or blood plasma mineral concentrations compared with CON, although feeding ALG increased fecal concentrations of macrominerals (Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, and Zn), and reduced their apparent digestibility, compared with CON. When compared with CON and ALG, milk from cows fed RSAL and RSS had lower milk I concentrations (-69.6 and -102.7 μg/kg of milk, respectively), but total plasma I concentrations were not affected significantly. Feeding S. platensis to dairy cows did not affect mineral concentrations in cows' blood or milk, but care should be taken when rapeseed is fed to avoid reducing milk I concentrations which may in turn reduce consumers' I intake from milk and dairy products.

Heat Stress, Varietal Difference, and Soil Amendment Influence on Maize Grain Mineral Concentrations

Improving the mineral concentrations of maize (Zea mays L.) will aid in the reduction of malnutrition in low-resource households that consume maize-based meals regularly. The study’s objective was to compare how different soil amendments and heat-stressed environments affect grain yield and mineral concentrations in maize. The study involved heat-stressed (HS) and non-heat-stressed (NHS) environments, three maize varieties (WE3128, WE5323, and ZM1523), and three soil amendments. The essential minerals analysis of the grain revealed a significant effect of variety, soil amendment, and heat stress on the grain yield and mineral contents. Among soil amendments, mineral fertilizer amendment (MF) gave the highest grain Zinc (Zn), 37.95 ± 15.3 µg/kg, while the highest grain iron (Fe) (136.9 ± 51.3 µg/kg) and yield were obtained with a combination of mineral fertilizer/poultry-manure amendment (MPM). The treatment interactions containing MPM in both the HS and NHS environments consistently produced positive results in the three maize varieties. When compared with the non-heat-stressed environment, the heat-stressed environment reduced grain weight (GWt) by 378% while increasing grain Fe and Zn concentrations by 43.6% and 15.8%, respectively. The HS was significantly higher than the NHS by 14.6%, 34.0%, 1.5%, 11.0%, 1.9%, and 89.2% for Ca, Cl, Mg, Na, P, and S, respectively. The highest macromineral concentrations were found in WE5323. All of the NHS treatments were grouped together, with the exception of NHS-4 and NHS-7, which produced the lowest means for the number of grain and GWt in the NHS, respectively. Although the variety was inconsistent in separating the treatment interactions, there was a good level of consistency in separating the treatment interactions along the heat stress factor and soil amendment factor. The correlation results revealed that a proportional relationship between Fe and Zn and grain yield tends to decrease the grain Fe or Zn concentrations. Therefore, selecting for high grain yield only may result in lower Fe and Zn concentrations in the grain. WE5323, amended with MPM, which produced the highest grain yield and stable mineral concentrations in non-heat-stressed and heat-stressed environments, should be considered in breeding programs aiming for high grain quantity and quality.

Content and gain of macro minerals in the empty body and body tissues of growing bulls

This research aimed to generate basic data for specifying the macro mineral requirements of beef bulls. Hence, the contents of the macro minerals calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium in the empty body and body tissue fractions of growing Fleckvieh (German Simmental) bulls with 120–780 kg live weight were determined. Results were used to calculate mineral gain rates in bulls within a wide weight range from 100 to 800 kg live weight. Calcium and phosphorus represented the largest shares in the animals' bodies. Body mineral content changed during animal growth due to progressing bone mineralization and increasing amounts of fat in all body tissues. Peak mineral gain rates were observed for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium during the 200–400 kg live weight range. The gain rates of sodium, potassium, and sulfur declined steadily during cattle growth. The provided data allow to adjust the existing values of net mineral requirements of growing Fleckvieh bulls within the factorial requirement calculation method.