Liver Mn Research Articles

The Antagonistic Effect of Selenium on Lead Toxicity Is Related to the Ion Profile in Chicken Liver.

The interactions between the essential element selenium (Se) and the toxic element lead (Pb) have been reported extensively; however, limited data are available regarding the effects of Se on Pb and the ion profile in chicken liver. Whether the change in the ion profile was involved in the protective process of Se and the toxic effect of Pb is unknown. In the present study, we detected 26 ion profiles (including those of Na, Mg, K, Ca, B, Si, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sb, Ba, Tl, Li, Al, As, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in chicken liver following treatment with Se or Pb and with the compound treatment of Se and Pb. The results showed that Se supplementation decreased the content of B and Cr and increased that of Zn and Ba (P<0.05); however, Pb exposure decreased Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, Mo, and Hg and increased V, Fe, Cd, and Sn (P<0.05). The results showed that Se and Pb primarily influenced essential microelements and toxic microelements in the chicken liver. In this process, Se alleviated the increased Cd and Pb induced by Pb exposure but aggravated the decreased Cu and Mn. The results also indicated that there existed both synergistic and antagonistic interactions between different ions, further verifying the principal component analysis. Thus, the results showed that prolonged exposure to Se and Pb influences the ion profiles in chicken liver. The protective role of Se and toxic effect of Pb may be related to these changing ion profiles in chicken liver.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Microelements in Silver Bream (Brama brama L.), Northern Pike (Esox lucius L.), Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.), and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) From Tisza River, Serbia

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Al, As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn in liver, gills, gonads, and brain of four ecologically different fish species in Serbia: piscivorous northern pike, benthivorous sterlet and silver bream, and omnivorous common carp. Fish were caught at four sites along the stretch of the River Tisza in the Pannonian part of Serbia during October 2010. Results revealed that heavy metals and microelements with the highest values in fish samples were Fe, Al, and Zn. The highest concentration of heavy metals and microelements was recorded in omnivorous common carp, and organs that most intensively accumulated the greatest number of metals were liver and gills, whereas the locality did not exert a marked impact on level of bioaccumulation.

Could a trace mineral deficiency be associated with congenital chondrodystrophy of unknown origin (CCUO) in beef cattle in Australia?

Congenital chondrodystrophy of unknown origin (CCUO) has been reported in beef cattle worldwide. A trace mineral deficiency in pregnant dams has been suggested as causing the deformities seen in CCUO calves. An extended outbreak of CCUO in Australia between 2002 and 2009 provided an opportunity to examine the pattern of trace mineral status in gestating cows and the effect of parenteral trace mineral supplementation on a herd at risk of CCUO calves. A property with a strong history of CCUO was identified from a previous case-control study. A randomly selected sample of multiparous (8 to 10 years old) Angus and Angus cross cows (n = 20) was assigned to control (no injection) or supplement group given three injections at the recommended dose rate of chelated mineral supplement (Mn, Zn, Cu and Se) at 6-week intervals in mid- to late gestation. Liver biopsies were performed to measure liver Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe at each injection time and 1 month post-calving. Pasture samples were also collected for analysis. Supplemented cows had higher liver Cu levels compared to control cows (p < 0.001), but there was no difference between supplement and control cows for liver Zn, Fe or Mn. Liver Cu (p < 0.001), Fe (p < 0.001) and Zn (p < 0.001) fell during gestation and liver Mn increased after calving (p < 0.001). Three cows from the control group and two from the supplement group had liver zinc levels below the normal values at the end of the trial. Two cows from the control group and one from the treatment group gave birth to cows with signs of CCUO including superior brachygnathia. All cows except one from the control group had rough dry coats with excessive dander. The role of trace mineral status in the birth of CCUO calves, especially the role of zinc deficiency, requires further investigation.

Deficiency of macro- and micronutrients induced by Lentinula edodes

Mushroom Lentinula edodes has been widely studied therapeutically. However, there is no data regarding its daily intake level safety. Since L. edodes has many active compounds known to bind to metals, we evaluated macro and micronutrients in liver and kidney of healthy rats after subchronic exposure to L. edodes. Rats were divided into four groups, receiving water and L. edodes at 100, 400 and 800mg/kg/day. The treatment lasted 30 days. Essential elements (Zn, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mn, Se, Co, Mo, and Li) were analyzed in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in Cu, Fe, Mn and Co levels in liver of rats receiving L. edodes at the highest doses. In kidney, Mn, Mo and Li concentrations significantly dropped in the groups exposed to the highest doses. In this way, an important point is revealed concerning the food safety from L. edodes, once its chronic and high consumption could contribute to macro and micronutrients deficiency. Additionally, we speculate that the daily use of L. edodes could be unsuccessful for patients in mineral therapy besides being able to be unsafe for individuals with some propensity to mineral deficiency.

Effect of inorganic or organic selenium supplementation on reproductive performance and tissue trace mineral concentrations in gravid first-parity gilts, fetuses, and nursing piglets.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate 2 supplemental forms of Se on reproductive performance and tissue trace mineral concentration in fetus and first-parity gilts during pregnancy and their progeny. Crossbred gilts (n=100) were selected at 183±2.7 d and 137±10 kg BW and fed a common diet. After 1 mo, 8 gilts were sacrificed to establish baseline liver Se concentration and the remaining 92 gilts allotted to receive Se (0.3 mg/kg diet) as inorganic Se (Na2SeO3) or a Se supplement that contains organoselenium compounds (Sel-Plex; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY). At 267±5.7 d (171±11 kg), gilts were estrus-synchronized and bred. Gilts were then slaughtered at defined time points throughout gestation (d 0, 43, 58, 73, 91, 101, or 108 of gestation; n=6 to 12 gilts/time point). A week before the expected farrowing day, 10 pregnant gilts (5 from each treatment) were moved to farrowing crates and monitored. Two pigs from each litter were randomly selected and euthanized at d 0 (within 2 h after birth; nursing deprived), 7, 14, and 21 from each litter. During the gestation phase, maternal liver, and fetal body and liver were collected for determination of trace mineral concentration by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total number of fetus, crown-rump length, and corpora lutea of gilts were recorded as well. During the lactation phase, pigs (without liver and gastrointestinal tract) and associated liver were analyzed for Se concentration. The results demonstrated that the source of Se generally did not affect the maternal reproductive traits and fetal characteristics. Also, the source of Se supplemented to the maternal diet did not, in general, affect Cu, Fe, Mn, or Zn concentrations in the tissues evaluated other than the observation of a greater maternal liver Mn content (P<0.01) in gilts fed Sel-Plex and a greater amount of Fe accumulated in the entire litter (P<0.01) in gilts fed Sel-Plex. However, with regard to Se concentrations, Se in fetal body, fetal liver, and maternal liver were greater (P<0.01) when Sel-Plex was fed. Postnatal pigs from gilts fed Sel-Plex had greater (P<0.05) Se retention in body and liver with similar growth performance during the 21-d period. The results demonstrate Se form differences wherein Sel-Plex is associated with greater Se accumulation in both maternal and fetal tissues.

Biodistribution and acute toxicity of a nanofluid containing manganese iron oxide nanoparticles produced by a mechanochemical process.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are candidate contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and targeted drug delivery. Biodistribution and toxicity assessment are critical for the development of nanoparticle-based drugs, because of nanoparticle-enhanced biological reactivity. Here, we investigated the uptake, in vivo biodistribution, and in vitro and in vivo potential toxicity of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles, synthesized by an original high-yield, low-cost mechanochemical process. Cultures of murine Balb/3T3 fibroblasts were exposed for 24, 48, or 72 hours to increasing ferrofluid concentrations. Nanoparticle cellular uptake was assessed by flow-cytometry scatter-light measurements and microscopy imaging after Prussian blue staining; cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony-forming assays. After a single intravenous injection, in vivo nanoparticle biodistribution and clearance were evaluated in mice by Mn spectrophotometric determination and Prussian blue staining in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and brain at different posttreatment times up to 21 days. The same organs were analyzed for any possible histopathological change. The in vitro study demonstrated dose-dependent nanoparticle uptake and statistically significant cytotoxic effects from a concentration of 50 μg/mL for the MTT assay and 20 μg/mL for the colony-forming assay. Significant increases in Mn concentrations were detected in all analyzed organs, peaking at 6 hours after injection and then gradually declining. Clearance appeared complete at 7 days in the kidneys, spleen, and brain, whereas in the liver Mn levels remained statistically higher than in vehicle-treated mice up to 3 weeks postinjection. No evidence of irreversible histopathological damage to any of the tested organs was observed. A comparison of the lowest in vitro toxic concentration with the intravenously injected dose and the administered dose of other ferrofluid drugs currently in clinical practice suggests that there might be sufficient safety margins for further development of our formulation.

Effects of sodium selenite and chromium sulphate as metabolic modifiers on stress alleviation, performance and liver mineral contents of feedlot Bonsmara cross steers

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of supplemental selenium and chromium on blood cortisol and glucose levels on stress alleviation and the carry-over effects on performance and liver mineral contents of local beef cattle under feedlot conditions. Seventy-two Bonsmara cross weaned calves weighing on average 185 ± 20.729 kg were allocated to 12 pens of six animals each, three replicates per treatment and fed for 120 days either a standard diet (CON) or supplemented with 0.3 mg.kg –1 DM sodium selenite (SEL) 0.3 mg.kg –1 DM chromium sulphate (CHR) and a combination of Se and Cr (SEL/CHR). Blood cortisol and glucose levels as stress parameters, feed intake and growth performance parameters were assessed. There was no statistical difference in blood cortisol levels on d0. On d14, cortisol concentrations were lower than on d0 (P<0.05) except for treatment SEL/CHR. On d42, the values were higher than on d0 and d14 except for SEL/CHR that had very low cortisol values (P<0.05). Blood glucose concentrations followed similar trend. There was no carry-over effect of stress alleviation on growth performance though SEL/CHR tended to have better ADG (P=0,148) and predicted FCR (P=0,197). Liver tissue mineral levels were within normal ranges. However, SEL increased significantly (P<0.05) liver Ca, Mg, Co and Mn while CHR decreased Ca and Mg concentrations. Selenium was positively correlated with Cu (r=0.30, P= 0.01) and phosphorus (r=0.44, P=0.0001) while Cr was negatively correlated with Ca (r=-0.50, P=0.01) and Mg (r=-0.30, P=0.01). Liver tissue minerals did not affect performance parameters. SEL/CHR might act better on stress alleviation and growth improvement. The effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality and the use of different forms of supplemental Se and Cr warrant further research. Key words: Selenium, chromium, stress, cortisol, glucose, feedlot, Bonsmara.

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in the livers and gills of three cyprinids after exposure to a cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia

We examined the influence of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom on the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the livers and gills of three cyprinids, Rutilus rutilus (roach), Blicca bjoerkna (white bream) and Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp) from the Gruža Reservoir (Serbia). We also studied tissue- and species-specific differences in the antioxidant response to the cyanobacterial bloom. The activities of total, copper zinc and manganese containing superoxide dismutases (Tot SOD, CuZn SOD, Mn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and the biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined before and during the cyanobacterial bloom. B. bjoerkna exhibited higher antioxidant response to the cyanobacterial bloom than R. rutilus and C. gibelio; liver Tot SOD, CuZn SOD and GST activities increased during the bloom only in this species. Liver Mn SOD activity in all three cyprinids increased during the bloom. A decrease in liver CAT and GSH-Px activities that was detected in all three species may be directly responsible for an enhanced susceptibility of fish to potential oxidative stress caused by the bloom. Tot SOD, CuZn SOD, Mn SOD, GSH-Px, GR and GST activities in gills were also inhibited during the bloom showing that the gills were affected more than the liver. The observed changes in the activities of aforementioned antioxidant enzymes during the cyanobacterial bloom suggest that these parameters could be important biomarkers for ecotoxicological risk in fish that inhabit ecosystems where A. flos-aquae blooms occur.

Metals in the sediment and liver of four fish species from different trophic levels in Tisza River, Serbia

In aquatic environments metals originate from various natural and anthropogenic sources. The degree of contamination in fish tissues depends on the pollutant, fish species, their mode of feeding, sampling site and trophic level. This study presents concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr and Zn in sediment and liver of four ecologically different fish species: piscivorous northern pike (Esox lucius L.), benthivorous sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) and silver bream (Brama brama L.), and omnivorous common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Fish were caught at four sites along the stretch of the River Tisza in Serbia during October 2010. The concentrations of metals have been assessed using the inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry. Results revealed that metals with the highest values in sediment and fish samples were Al and Fe, respectively and sometimes concentrations of Zn are in the same order of magnitude as Fe concentrations. The highest concentration of metals was recorded in omnivorous common carp.

Elemental Composition of Muscle Tissue of Wild Animals from Central Region of Poland

In the paper, the contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe),manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), and nickel (Ni) were determinedin the meat of roe deers, wild boars, and hares coming from central region of Poland. Measurements werecarried out using atomic absorption spectrometry. The ranges of median values found for the concentration of elements were as follows: 89 – 121 (Ca), 235 – 241 (Mg), 19.2 – 28.6 (Zn), 0.93 – 2.07 (Cu), 26.3 – 39.1 (Fe), 0.10 – 0.38 (Mn), 0.04 – 0.31 (Cr), 0.07 – 0.48 (Pb), 0.004 – 0.010 (Cd), 0.31 – 1.26 (Al), and 0.05 – 0.13 (Ni) ig/g, respectively. We stated that the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Mn were comparable to their amounts in meat of farm animals. The smallest amounts of hazardous elements, except for Al, were determined in meat of hares, and the highest ones in roe deer meat. Moreover, a large variability in Cr, Pb, and Ni content was found. Generally, there were no significant correlations between the concentration of elements in the meat of wild animals and their age and weight, but some statistically significant and strong correlations between concentrations of elements were stated. Moreover, significant positive correlations were found to exist for the content of Fe and Mn in muscle tissue and liver of hares.

Efficacy of Modified Eggs and Chick Muscles on Oxidative Stress of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Induced Male Wistar Rats

A modified poultry egg (Indian Patent Application No. 2264/Del-2005) and chick muscle enriched with optimum minerals, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid were developed and its efficacy was studied on oxidative stress of Type-2 diabetes mellitus induced male wistar rats. In this study, two groups of rats were fed on semi-synthetic diet containing 20 mg Zn/kg (control, group-I) and 80 mg Zn/kg (group-II) diet respectively for a period of 6 months. The study revealed that the gain in body weight increased in rats in Zn concentration dependent manner. The urine examined on weekly basis showed glucosuria in group-II on week 8 and thereafter. The blood lipid profile displayed a significant rise in serum glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol whereas HDL-cholesterol showed a reduction in their levels in group-II rats than their control counter parts. They displayed higher lipid peroxidation products and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione–s -transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione (reduced) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly lowered and revealed a higher Zn concentration and lower Cu, Mg and Mn both in liver and kidney. On day 90, the male rats in group-II after the establishment of type-2 diabetes mellitus, were divided in to two groups- group-IIA and group-IIB. Feeding on these eggs and chick muscles mixed diet in these groups of rats, all the abnormalities were restored and a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation products and a significant increased in the activities of enzymes per se with reversal of Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn levels closer to the control group were recorded. The present data suggest that these modified egg and chick muscle are effective in ameliorating the oxidative stress in type-2 diabetes mellitus induced male rats.

Natural trace element enrichment in fishes from a volcanic and tectonically active region (Azores archipelago)

Seamounts, in general, are thought to support high biodiversity and special biological communities. They have been targeted by commercial fishing for demersal and pelagic fish species due to the occurrence of large aggregations in mid- and deep-water. Specimens of Phycis phycis, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Pontinus kuhlii, Beryx splendens, Beryx decadactylus, Etmopterus pusillus, Mora moro, Pagellus bogaraveo, Deania profundorum, Scomber colias and Trachurus picturatus were collected at the Condor seamount and on the slopes of Faial and Pico islands of Azores archipelago. Concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb were determined in muscle and liver of each individual. Values of the 11 trace elements in the two tissues of the benthopelagic and benthic specimens, from the two surveyed areas, presented a significant inter-specific variation. In general, levels were lower in muscle than in liver, and negative relations between weight and Co, Mn, Zn, As, Cd and Pb concentrations in muscle and liver of three species were found. Pagellus bogaraveo, S. colias and T. picturatus presented enhanced elemental concentrations in liver, particularly of Cd. The extremely high storage of this potentially toxic element suggests a response to high uptake of Cd and the existence of an additional natural source of Cd to the environment.

Tissue mineral concentrations and osteochondrosis lesions in prolific sows across parities 0 through 71,2,3

Mortality in swine herds is often associated with lameness, and trace minerals are implicated in maintaining integrity of skeletal tissues. The objectives of this study were to determine if prolific sows displayed evidence of trace mineral depletion with age and to determine the prevalence of osteochondrosis (OC) lesions. Reduced mineral concentrations with age would support recommendations for an increase in the amount of dietary minerals. Tissue samples were collected from 66 sows selected to represent a cross-sectional profile of a prolific herd fed diets with inorganic sources of trace minerals fortified at concentrations typically found in commercial diets. Females ranged from nulliparous (parity 0) to parity 7 with a lifetime average of 12.9 ± 0.5 pigs born alive per litter. Minerals were assessed in humerus, scapula, ovary, liver, and muscle (psoas major) tissues. Percent bone ash increased (P < 0.05) with parity from 64 to 66% but differed among bone sections. The Ca (39.0%) and P (18.9%) concentrations in bone ash were essentially constant in all sections and parities. Bone Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations varied among sections, but differences due to parity (P < 0.05) were only detected in Fe. Bone Fe decreased from approximately 49 μg/g ash in parity 0 and 1 sows to approximately 29 μg/g ash in parity 7, likely reflecting loss of hemopoietic tissue with age. No evidence was detected in liver for depletion of trace minerals across parity; however, liver Cu and Zn concentrations tended to increase with age. Liver Mn concentrations varied with parity, but no consistent trend with parity was evident. Ovary Cu and Mn concentrations varied dramatically as a function of the reproductive status, but no evidence was detected for depletion with parity. Articular surfaces of the distal scapula and proximal and distal humerus were evaluated grossly for prevalence of OC; bones were then sectioned to evaluate lesions in subchondral bone and physis. Incidence of OC lesions on the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex varied among bone sites, but differences across parities were not detected. In a subset of sows with subchondral bone lesions, the lesions appeared severe enough to contribute to clinical lameness, particularly in the distal humerus site. However, none of the sows exhibited lameness at slaughter. As no reductions in mineral concentrations with age were detected, recommendations to increase dietary mineral supplementation with age were not supported.

Biological response of free-living mouse Mus spretus from Doñana National Park under environmental stress based on assessment of metal-binding biomolecules by SEC-ICP-MS

A metallomic approach based on the use of size-exclusion chromatography (Superdex-75) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection is combined with anion or cation exchange chromatography to characterize the biological response of the free-living mouse Mus spretus. The approach has been applied to contaminated and non-contaminated areas from Doñana National Park (southwest Spain) and the surroundings. Several areas affected by differential contamination from mining, industrial, and agricultural activities have been considered. The high presence of Mn, Cu, and Zn in liver and As and Cd in kidney is remarkable, especially in contaminated areas. The size exclusion chromatograms traced by Mn in liver cytosolic extracts are more intense than in kidney; a Mn-peak matching with the standard of 32 kDa (superoxide dismutase) is present in these organs, and its intensity is correlated with the concentration of Mn in the extracts. High-intensity peaks traced by Cu, Zn, and Cd at 7 kDa (matching with metallothionein I standard) in liver extract are triggered by the presence of contaminants. Other peaks related with molecules of 32 and 67 kDa traced by Cu and Zn can also be observed, although their intensity is higher in sites with low contamination. In kidney extracts, the presence of a Cd-peak with Mr of 7 kDa (tentatively Cd-metallothionein) with high intensity under the action of contaminants was observed, but high biological responses are also proven in the protected area of the Park, which denotes a progressive increase of diffuse contamination.

Mineral concentrations of plasma and liver after injection with a trace mineral complex differ among Angus and Simmental cattle

To examine the effects of cattle breed on the clearance rate of an injectable mineral product, 10 Angus and 10 Simmental steers were blocked by breed and initial BW (332 ± 33 kg) and injected with either Multimin 90 (MM) or sterilized saline (CON) at a dose of 1 mL/45 kg BW. Multimin 90 contains 15 mg Cu/mL (as Cu disodium EDTA), 60 mg Zn/mL (as Zn disodium EDTA), 10 mg Mn/mL (as Mn disodium EDTA), and 5 mg Se/mL (as sodium selenite). Steers received a corn-silage-based diet, and inorganic sources of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se were supplemented at NRC recommended amounts. Jugular blood was collected immediately before injection and at 8 and 10 h post-injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver biopsies were collected 3 d before injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver and plasma mineral concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity data were analyzed as repeated measures. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Mn, and Se were greater (P = 0.01) and Cu tended to be greater (P = 0.12) post-injection in MM steers compared with the CON steers. Regardless of treatment, Simmental cattle had lower plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with Angus cattle. Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity was greater (P = 0.01) in MM steers compared with CON steers. Liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se were greater (P = 0.05) in MM steers compared with CON steers post-injection. Liver Mn concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in MM steers compared with CON steers in the days post-injection. Interestingly, Simmental cattle exhibited greater (P = 0.01) liver Mn concentrations in the days after injection compared with Angus cattle (7.0 and 6.0 mg Mn/kg for Simmental and Angus cattle, respectively), regardless of treatment. It is unclear if this breed difference is biologically relevant; however, these data may suggest that differences in liver excretion of Mn exist between the two breeds. Overall, use of an injectable trace mineral increased liver concentrations of Cu and Se through the 15-d sampling period, suggesting that this injectable mineral is an adequate way to improve Cu and Se status of cattle through at least 15 d.

Mineral concentrations of plasma and liver after injection with a trace mineral complex differ among Angus and Simmental cattle

To examine the effects of cattle breed on the clearance rate of an injectable mineral product, 10 Angus and 10 Simmental steers were blocked by breed and initial BW (332 ± 33 kg) and injected with either Multimin 90 (MM) or sterilized saline (CON) at a dose of 1 mL/45 kg BW. Multimin 90 contains 15 mg Cu/ mL (as Cu disodium EDTA), 60 mg Zn/mL (as Zn diso- dium EDTA), 10 mg Mn/mL (as Mn disodium EDTA), and 5 mg Se/mL (as sodium selenite). Steers received a corn-silage-based diet, and inorganic sources of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se were supplemented at NRC recommend- ed amounts. Jugular blood was collected immediately before injection and at 8 and 10 h post-injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver biopsies were collected 3 d before injection and on days 1, 8, and 15 post-injection. Liver and plasma mineral concentra- tion and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity data were analyzed as repeated measures. Plasma concentra- tions of Zn, Mn, and Se were greater (P = 0.01) and Cu tended to be greater (P = 0.12) post-injection in MM steers compared with the CON steers. Regardless of treatment, Simmental cattle had lower plasma concen- trations of Cu, Zn, and Se (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with Angus cattle. Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity was greater (P = 0.01) in MM steers compared with CON steers. Liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se were greater (P = 0.05) in MM steers compared with CON steers post-injection. Liver Mn concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in MM steers compared with CON steers in the days post-injection. Interestingly, Simmental cattle exhibited greater (P = 0.01) liver Mn concentrations in the days after injection compared with Angus cattle (7.0 and 6.0 mg Mn/kg for Simmental and Angus cattle, respectively), regardless of treatment. It is unclear if this breed difference is biologically rel- evant; however, these data may suggest that differences in liver excretion of Mn exist between the two breeds. Overall, use of an injectable trace mineral increased liver concentrations of Cu and Se through the 15-d sam- pling period, suggesting that this injectable mineral is an adequate way to improve Cu and Se status of cattle through at least 15 d.

Tolerance and efficacy of tribasic manganese chloride in growing broiler chickens

These studies were designed to determine the relative bioavailability and tolerance of tribasic Mn chloride (TBMC) for growing broiler chickens. In experiment 1, birds were fed a basal diet (starter, 102 ppm; grower, 209 ppm) or the basal diet supplemented with 3,600, 4,500, or 5,400 ppm Mn from either TBMC or manganese sulfate (MnSO(4)), and BW, feed intake, and plasma Mn were measured. In experiments 2 and 3, diets included the basal diet (45 and 43 ppm Mn, respectively) and the basal diet supplemented with graded levels of either TBMC or MnSO(4) ranging from 30 to 240 ppm Mn. Body weight and feed intake were measured and tibia, bile, and liver were collected for mineral analysis; heart samples were taken for manganese superoxide dismutase activity, protein, and relative mRNA abundance. In experiment 1, BW differed among treatments, with higher Mn leading to lower BW (P < 0.05). Birds from all treatments showed higher plasma Mn than birds fed the basal diet. Birds supplemented with the highest level of MnSO(4) had the highest level of plasma Mn (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, tibia and liver Mn increased with higher dietary Mn regardless of source (P < 0.05). Liver Mn increased up to the 60 ppm diets whereas Mn in the tibia was highest with the 130 ppm diets. Bile Mn increased with increasing dietary Mn, but these differences were not significant. In experiment 3, manganese superoxide dismutase activity, protein, and relative mRNA abundance were not affected by diet. The calculated bioavailabilities of TBMC and MnSO(4) did not differ significantly (P > 0.20). Together, these results indicate that TBMC is as effective as and better tolerated than MnSO(4) and that supplementing Mn at the lowest level used in this study may be sufficient for normal development of broiler chickens.

Concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) at Jixi, Heilongjiang Province, China

Concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were measured in four tissues of Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) from three sites in Heilongjiang province, China, during four seasons. Among the four measured tissues (primary feathers, liver, heart, and pectoral muscle), the highest concentrations were found in feathers (Zn) or liver (Cu and Mn), and the lowest concentrations were in muscle, except Cu. For Mn, mean concentrations of the birds from the three study sites were, in decreasing order: Didao mining area (DMA) > urban district of Jixi (UDJ) > Phoenix Mountain national nature reserve (PMR, the reference site), but not for Zn and Cu. There were significant differences between metal concentrations at the three sites, but differences were not significant for Mn (in muscle and feathers) and Cu (in feathers). For most elements, the mean concentrations were greatest in summer.

Mineral Status of Sheep and Goats Grazing in the Arid Rangelands of Northern Kenya

2 Abstract: A study was conducted in dry and wet season to determine macro and micro mineral status of growing sheep and goats in arid rangelands of northern Kenya. Forty four, 22 each of sheep and goats (1-2 year old), randomly purchased from three herds/flocks in study area, were sacrificed for whole liver and 12th right and left ribs. Homogenized liver samples pooled from all the lobes and defatted bone ash from whole left and right 12th ribs were used for determination of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn status. Liver mineral analysis, showed that in sheep Cu (303 vs. 184 mg/kg DM), Zn (94.1 vs. 83 mg/kg DM) and Mn (13.2 vs. 7.5 mg/kg DM) were higher (p<0.05) in wet than dry season. In goats, season had no effect on Cu (274.28 vs. 236 mg/kg DM) and Fe (183 vs. 171 mg/kg DM), but had significant influence on Zn (102 vs. 126 mg/kg DM) and Mn (13.6 vs. 6.8 mg/kg DM). Sheep grazing in different pastures showed variation (p<0.05) in hepatic Zn, Cu and Mn cont ents, while goat varied (p<0.05) in hepatic Cu, Fe and Mn concentration s. Rib analysis indicated that season had significant effect (p<0.05) on sheep and goats DFF% ash. The rib Ca (359 vs. 362 mg/g), P (157 vs. 147 mg/g) and Mg (9.56 vs. 8.54 mg/g) contents of sheep was not influenced by season and grazing area (p<0.05), whereas goats rib Ca (360 vs. 326 mg/g), P (142 vs. 165 mg/g) content was affected by season and grazing area (p<0.05), but Mg showed no seasonal variation. In the wet season, liver and bone tissue of sheep and goats indicated adequate body status of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. However, in the dry season, sheep showed deficient levels of Zn, goats in Cu, while both species suffered from low liver Mn and rib Zn reserves. With the exception of P which was marginal in all seasons, mineral deficiencies affected animals mostly in the dry season. The liver and rib bone of sheep and goats has demonstrated seasonal fluctuation in tissue mineral reserve. Evaluation of specific minerals in different periods and body pools can be useful in the diagnosis of mineral status of animals. It can be concluded that, sheep and goats would benefit from P, Cu, Zn and Mn supplementation, particularly in the dry season.

Content of chemical elements in muscular tissue and liver of male kids and ram lambs in central-eastern Poland

The aim of the study was to estimate the content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Ca in meat and liver of male kids and ram lambs fed mixtures containing 10% of flax seeds. Castrated male kids (n = 7) of White Upgraded breed and castrated ram lambs (n = 7) of Polish Lowland sheep fattened up to about 35 kg of body weight were used as experimental material. The animals were fed mixture CJ ad libitum, supplemented with 10% of flax seeds and meadow hay as a structural supplement. Contents of the chemical elements were analysed in samples of longissimus dorsi muscle. The content of Cd (0.01 mg kg–1) in male kid meat was lower than in ram lamb meat (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, Pb content was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in male kids (0.04±0.003 mg kg –1 ) than in ram lambs (0.07±0.002 mg kg –1 ). Slightly lower content of Pb (by 0.01 mg kg –1 ) and Cd (by 0.01 mg kg –1 ) in male kid liver was determined, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Significantly larger (p ≤ 0.01) Cu content (1.14±0.07 mg kg–1) in muscular tissue of ram lambs was also stated. Male kid meat, however, was richer in Mn, Fe, Zn and Ca, with the differences tested at p ≤ 0.05 and p≤ 0.01. The liver was an organ which accumulated not only Pb and Cd but also Cu, Mn and Zn both in ram lambs and male kids. Especially high level of Cu and Mn in liver was found, which could be the result of a high content of the chemical elements in mixtures. Moreover, significantly larger content of Ca (15.24±1.68 mg kg–1) in ram lamb liver compared to male kid liver was stated. On the other hand, muscular tissue of male kids contained more Ca (21.94±1.74 mg kg –1 ) than that of ram lambs.