Trace Element Concentrations in Beef Cattle Related to the Breed Aptitude

Specific of accumulation of manganese in organs and tissues of Hereford cattle

The elemental status of cattle is one of the important factors, which determine its growth, fertility, fetal development, meat and dairy production, etc. Therefore, the study of content of different elements in cattle organs and tissues and its correlation with cattle characteristics and diet is urgent task. It is also important to develop intravital and low-invasive methods to analyze element content in cattle to regulate its diet during lifetime. In the present work, we have studied the content and distribution of manganese in Hereford cattle from an ecologically clean zone of Western Siberia (Russia). 252 samples were taken from 31 bulls aged 15-18 months. They were collected from various livestock farms in the region and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (organs and muscle tissue) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (hair). The median values of manganese concentration obtained in natural moisture for hair, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscles, spleen, testes, and brain were 25, 0.37, 1.0, 2.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.5 ppm. Accordingly, the concentration of manganese differs significantly in the organs and tissues of animals (H = 188.6, df = 8, p <0.0001). Statistically significant associations of manganese were revealed in pairs: liver-testis, hair-testis, spleen-testis, and heart-brain. The classification of organs and tissues of animals according to the level of content and variability of manganese is carried out. The concentration of manganese in the body is not uniform, most of all it is deposited in the hair and excretory organs of the liver and kidneys. In other organs and muscle tissues, the distribution of manganese is more even and is in the range of 0.2-0.5 ppm. The resulting ranges can be used as a guideline for Hereford cattle bred in Western Siberia.

Development of a Predictive Model for Iron Levels in Bovine Muscle Tissue Using Hair as a Predictor

The assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue is crucial for livestock management because it influences both animal health and meat quality, key factors in sustainable development. This study aimed to develop an optimal model for noninvasively predicting the iron content in Hereford cattle muscle tissue, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the animals' elemental status. The research involved the atomic absorption analysis of muscle tissue and hair samples from cattle. A regression model was constructed using the least squares method to identify the most effective approach. These findings have ecological applications, aiding in evaluating environmental health and establishing acceptable iron thresholds for animals. The proposed mathematical model utilizing biomarkers (levels of Mg, K, Fe, Al, Cr in hair) will allow for the assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue throughout the period of productive use, with the possibility of adjustment and tracking the changes in elemental status over time. The utilization of the developed method will enable the diagnosis of animal elementosis and assessment of the iron level burden. Subsequently, this will allow for the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of the final product. Thus, the obtained data contribute to fundamental knowledge regarding the content and variability of iron levels in the muscle tissue of cattle.

Total Selenium Level and Its Distribution between Organs in Beef Cattle in Different Selenium Status

The aim of this study was to determine the Se concentration in the main tissues of beef cattle and to evaluate the differences in tissue distribution between animals with different selenium status. Selenium concentration was determined in the serum, longissimus dorsi muscle, semitendinosus muscle, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and lungs of cows, heifers and beef bulls, using spectrofluorimetric method. Despite receiving supplementation, 55.6% animals demonstrated an optimal Se level, while 44.4% were deficient. The mean serum Se concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals with a normal Se status than in Se-deficient animals. Differences in Se tissue distribution were observed between Se-deficient animals and those with normal Se status. The organs most susceptible to Se deficiency are the semitendinosus muscle, lungs, heart and liver. In both normal and Se-deficient animals, significantly higher Se concentrations were observed in the kidney than other organs (p < 0.05), and the lowest in the muscles. As Se deficiencies can be found among supplemented animals, the level of Se should be monitored in beef cattle in order to detect possible Se deficiencies, which may have negative health effects for animals and reduce the value of animal products as a source of Se in the human diet.

An Investigation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Sera of Cattle Grazed in Different Locations in the Kars Province of Türkiye

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure of cattle to low levels of environmental pollution on trace metal metabolism. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood samples is essential to evaluate the potential effects of pollutants on cattle production and to measure the uptake of pollutants by animals. For this purpose, cattle raised in villages at varying distances to the center of the Kars province were sampled for blood, and heavy metal concentrations were measured in the extracted sera. In total 150 blood samples were collected from 4-to 5-year-old cattle from 15 regions. Sera were extracted from the blood samples from the selected foci and analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) device for essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, Se, V) and non-essential (Pb, Cd and Hg, As, Al, Sn) heavy metals. Heavy metals were detected in the serum samples in the following order: Sn > Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > V > Ni > Mn > Hg. A confidence interval of 95% was used to evaluate all tests. Differences between the villages were insignificant for the Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Al, Co concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas differences between the villages were significant for the Fe, As, Ni, Mn (p < 0.05), Zn, Cr (p < 0.01), V and Sn (p < 0.001) concentrations. The results of this study show that heavy metals detected in bovine sera from the sampling area do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, suggesting limited exposure to heavy metals and no associated health risk to animals in the region.

Liver moisture content in animals and possible causes of variations in hepatic dry matter content

The concentration of trace elements in the liver is used as an indicator of the mineral nutritional status of an animal, as a benchmark of environmental mineral exposure, to follow the metabolism of an element in the body and for various other purposes. Concentrations are expressed on a wet (fresh) liver basis or on a dry liver basis. From a literature search and evidence from an analytical laboratory, large variations (varying from < 20% to > 40%) have been recorded on the percentage of moisture in the livers of ruminants. Such variations potentially compromise the interpretation of results on mineral concentrations in livers, and preclude robust comparisons between studies. Among the factors that can affect the moisture content of livers are: inconsistencies in sampling and preparation of liver samples; exposure to toxic substances; ill-health of the animal; fat content of the liver; and age of the animal. It was estimated that the mean dry matter (DM) content of the livers of healthy ungulates containing less than 1% liver fat is between 27.5% and 28.5%, and on a fat-free basis 25-26% DM. For routine analyses of liver samples it is suggested that to limit variations owing to differences in liver moisture content, liver mineral concentrations should be expressed on a DM basis, and for in-depth scientific studies on mineral metabolism on a dry, fat-free basis. However, if mineral concentrations are expressed on a wet basis, it is advisable to supply the liver DM content as well.

Trace element status of highly productive cows in different physiological conditions under increased technogenic load

Microelements play a vital role in the maintenance and intensification of metabolic and regulatory processes in the body of animals. For a more complete study of provision of body of highly productive animals with microelements and diagnosis of metabolic disorders, especially under anthropogenic load, it is necessary to conduct biochemical blood tests. The article presents the results of studies on the content of trace elements (iron, copper, zinc, manganese) in the whole blood of cows from two farms in the Voronezh region, one of which (farm 2) is located in an area with increased technogenic load. In whole blood, the content of iron, copper, zinc, and manganese was determined by atomic absorption using a Shimadzu AA-6300 spectrophotometer. Samples were prepared by wet ashing at elevated pressure in a MARS-5 microwave system. Blood samples were taken 2 weeks before calving, one week and one month after calving. A reduced level of copper and zinc was found in animals from both farms throughout the entire study period. The dependence of the content of microelements on the physiological state of animals (before and after calving) was not revealed. It was shown that the content of iron in the blood of highly productive cows from farm 2 was lower throughout the study, and manganese - a week and a month after calving. The amount of manganese in blood of farm 2 animals was less than the lower limit of the physiological norm, while in farm 1 animals its concentration was within the reference normal range.

Molybdenum Exposure in Drinking Water Vs Feed Impacts Apparent Absorption of Copper Differently in Beef Cattle Consuming a High-Forage Diet

Twelve Angus steers were utilized to investigate the influence of molybdenum (Mo) in drinking water or feed on apparent absorption and retention of copper (Cu) and Mo. Steers were fed a low-quality grass hay diet for 14 days. Steers were then housed in individual metabolism stalls and blocked by body weight and dry matter intake (DMI) and randomly assigned within block to one of three treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no supplemental Mo), (2) 5.0 mg Mo/kg DM from sodium molybdate dihydrate (Mo-diet), and (3) 1.5 mg Mo/L from sodium molybdate dihydrate delivered in the drinking water (Mo-water). Total fecal and urine output were then collected for 5 days. Dry matter, Cu and water intake, and DM digestibility were similar across treatments. Molybdenum intake was greater (P < 0.05) in Mo-water and Mo-diet steers when compared to controls but similar between Mo-water and Mo-diet steers. Apparent absorption and retention of Cu were greater (P < 0.05) in controls when compared to Mo-diet supplemented steers. Apparent absorption and retention of Cu in steers in the Mo-water treatment did not differ from controls or those receiving the Mo-diet. Molybdenum-diet and Mo-water supplemented steers had similar apparent absorption and retention of Cu. Apparent absorption and retention of Mo (% of Mo intake) was greater in controls when compared to Mo-supplemented steers. These data indicate that Mo consumed in water may impact Cu absorption and retention to a lesser extent than Mo supplemented in the diet.

Ratio of selenium concentrations between soil, forage plants and blood serum of beef cattle studied in organic and conventional farms

The aim of the study was to compare the selenium (Se) status of beef cattle from conventional farms with the status of cattle from organic farms located in western Pomerania and to determine the ratios of Se concentration between soil, forage plants and animals at these locations. The mean total Se (Se_T) content in soil was 0.208 mg/kg dry matter (DM) on organic farms and 0.254 mg/kg DM on conventional farms. Animals from conventional farms had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum Se concentration than those on organic farms. As Se deficiency were classified in 75% of animals from organic farms and in 42% animals from conventional farms. A lack of Se supplementation is associated with a serious risk of deficiency in ruminants, particularly in areas with low Se levels in the soil-plant system. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to increasing the bioavailability of Se for plants by enhancing the physicochemical properties of soil. In addition, the composition of swards for grazing should be adjusted to increase the share of forage plants capable of collecting larger amounts of Se from soil.

Associations between minerals and metabolic indicators in maternal blood pre- and postpartum with ewe body condition, methane emissions, and lamb body weight development

In sheep production, economic efficiency strongly depends on the maternal health and feed efficiency status and on weaning performances of their offspring. Accordingly, an optimal level for the supply with macro- and microelements and the ewe energy status has impact on the fetal development during gestation and on maternal milk production during lactation. Furthermore, this study addressed intergenerational aspects, i.e., on associations between maternal energy metabolism profiles considering the macro- and microelement status, metabolic indicators (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), body condition and methane (CH4) emissions with lamb BW (LBW) in two sheep breeds. Traits were recorded at the beginning of gestation (ewe traits), at lambing, three weeks postpartum, and at weaning (ewe and lamb traits). Trait recording included CH4 emissions (recorded via laser methane detector (LMD)), ewe BW (EBW), backfat thickness (BFT), and body condition score (BCS) from 46 ewes (24 Merinoland- (ML), 22 Rhönsheep (RH)), and LBW of their 87 (35 ML, 52 RH) purebred lambs. Serum levels of the following ewe blood parameters were determined: calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphate (P), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). Mixed models were applied to infer associations between ewe blood parameters with EBW, BFT, BCS, and CH4 and with LBW recorded in offspring. At weaning, a maternal serum Mg level > 1.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increase of 13% in LBW in ML, compared to offspring from ML ewes with a serum Mg concentration within the lower reference range (0.8 mmol/L). Furthermore, higher Cu levels were favorably associated with ewe BCS and BFT at weaning in both breeds. In RH ewes, a Se level > 2.4 μmol/l was significantly associated with increased BCS. In the ML breed, high Zn levels during lactation were associated with reduced CH4 emissions. Ewe EBW was significantly larger for ML ewes representing low Ca levels. A low BHB level was associated with decreasing CH4 emissions in RH and ML. Serum levels for Na, K, P, GLDH, and Fe did not significantly affect the traits of interest. Trait associations from the present study indicate the importance of the mineral supply and metabolic status of the ewe with regard to body condition, CH4 emissions, and LBW development, but depending on the breed. Identified associations might contribute to energy efficiency in sheep production systems.

Discrimination of mutton from different sources (regions, feeding patterns and species) by mineral elements in Inner Mongolia, China

The traceability of mineral element fingerprints to mutton in a small area of China was studied. The element data of 104 sheep and 24 goat samples from Inner Mongolia were measured, and the data were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis from different origins, species and feeding patterns. The results shows that 11 elements (Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba) in sheep meat had significant differences between different regions (P < 0.05), and the results of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed that the accuracy of the original classification rate was 95.2%, and the cross-validation rate was 85.9%. Goat meat and sheep meat samples from Alxa League were also clearly identified with LDA results showing that the cross-validation accuracy of the two species was 70.2%. Then the feeding patterns of sheep meat were effectively classified. The results showed that the multi-element analysis has certain potential as a method to distinguish mutton in a small area.

Copper Supplementation, A Challenge in Cattle

Ensuring adequate copper supplementation in ruminants is a challenging task due to the complexity of copper metabolism in these animals. The three-way interaction between copper, molybdenum and sulphur (Cu-Mo-S) in the rumen makes ruminants, particularly cattle, very susceptible to suffering from secondary copper deficiency. Paradoxically, excessive copper storage in the liver to prevent deficiency becomes a hazard when ruminants are fed copper-supplemented diets even slightly above requirements. While cattle were traditionally thought to be relatively tolerant of copper accumulation, and reports of copper poisoning were until recently somewhat rare, in recent years an increased number of episodes/outbreaks of copper toxicity in cattle, particularly in dairy cattle, have been reported worldwide. The growing number of lethal cases reported seems to indicate that copper intoxication is spreading silently in dairy herds, urging the development of strategies to monitor herd copper status and improve farmers' awareness of copper toxicity. In fact, monitoring studies carried out on numerous samples collected from culled animals in slaughterhouses and/or diagnostic laboratories have demonstrated that large numbers of animals have hepatic copper concentrations well above adequate levels in many different countries. These trends are undoubtedly due to copper supplementation aimed at preventing copper deficiency, as dietary copper intake from pasture alone is unlikely to cause such high levels of accumulation in liver tissue. The reasons behind the copper overfeeding in cattle are related both to a poor understanding of copper metabolism and the theory of "if adding a little produces a response, then adding a lot will produce a better response". Contrary to most trace elements, copper in ruminants has narrow margins of safety, which must also be formulated considering the concentrations of copper antagonists in the diet. This review paper aims to provide nutritionists/veterinary practitioners with the key points about copper metabolism in cattle to guarantee an adequate copper supply while preventing excessive hepatic copper loading, which requires à la carte copper supplementation for each herd.

Predicting the Content of 20 Minerals in Beef by Different Portable Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectrometers

The aim of this study was to test the predictability of a detailed mineral profile of beef using different portable near-infrared spectrometers (NIRS). These devices are rapid, chemical waste-free, cheap, nondestructive tools that can be used directly on the meat surface in the work environment without the need to take samples. We compared a transportable Visible-NIRS (weight 5.6 kg; wavelength 350-1830 nm), a portable NIRS (2.0 kg; 950-1650 nm), and a hand-held Micro-NIRS (0.06 kg; 905-1649 nm) to predict the contents of 20 minerals (measured by ICP-OES) in 178 beef samples (Longissimus thoracis muscle) using different mathematical pretreatments of the spectra and partial least square regressions. The externally validated results show that Fe, P, Mg, S, Na, and Pb have some potential for prediction with all instruments (R2VAL: 0.40-0.83). Overall, the prediction performances of the three instruments were similar, although the smallest (Micro-NIRS) exhibited certain advantages.

Relationships of a Detailed Mineral Profile of Meat with Animal Performance and Beef Quality

Simply Summary

Minerals play direct or indirect role in different biological process of animals. These biological processes finally affect the meat quality. Therefore, analysis of minerals in cattle’s diet is important for assessing potential effects on beef quality. However, minerals profile and concentration in beef are affected by several factors such as animals rearing practices, age, environment, breed etc. Hence, we analyzed 20 minerals in 192 beef samples and studied the different sources of variation which affect the minerals profile in beef. In order to understand the complex and intriguing relations of beef qualities and minerals, we utilized correlation and factor analysis with 16 traits related to animal performance and beef quality. Our analysis shows many significant associations of minerals in beef with animal performance and beef qualities. Five groups of minerals (latent factors) were associated with almost all quality traits of beef. The knowledge about the mineral contents in beef is important to understand the complex interrelationships of animal rearing, farm management, environmental conditions with regard to animal performance and beef quality.

Abstract

The mineral profile of beef is a subject of human health interest, but also animal performance and meat quality. This study analyzes the relationships of 20 minerals in beef inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with three animal performance and 13 beef quality traits analyzed on 182 samples of Longissimus thoracis. Animals’ breed and sex showed limited effects. The major sources of variation (farm/date of slaughter, individual animal within group and side/sample within animal) differed greatly from trait to trait. Mineral contents were correlated to animal performance and beef quality being significant 52 out of the 320 correlations at the farm/date level, and 101 out of the 320 at the individual animal level. Five latent factors explained 69% of mineral co-variation. The most important, “Mineral quantity” factor correlated with age at slaughter and with the beef color traits. Two latent factors (“Na + Fe + Cu” and “Fe + Mn”) correlated with performance and beef color traits. Two other (“K-B-Pb” and “Zn”) correlated with beef chemical composition and the latter also with carcass weight and daily gain, and beef color traits. Beef cooking losses correlated with “K-B-Pb”. Latent factor analysis appears be a useful means of disentangling the very complex relationships that the minerals in beef have with animal performance and beef quality traits.

Variation in trace element content between liver lobes in cattle. How important is the sampling site?

The aim of the present study was to establish the pattern of lobular distribution of trace elements in the liver of cattle. The objective was to determine which part of the liver would provide accurate estimation of the trace element content of the whole organ. Liver samples were obtained from 10 Holstein-Friesian (HF), 10 Galician Blond (GB) and 10 GBxHF crosses (all aged 10 months) at slaughter. Samples were taken from 6 regions of the liver: the internal and external faces of the right lobe (IR and ER respetively); the left lobe (L), caudate lobe (CAU), quadrate lobe (QUA) and the processus papillaris (PP). The samples were acid digested and trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of all trace elements, except cobalt and zinc, varied significant across the liver. In all cases, the concentrations were highest in L and lowest in CAU. Variations in the distribution between the other areas of the liver (ER, IR, QUA, PP) were not significant. The distribution of trace elements may be related to oxygen perfusion. Moreover, the trace element content of CAU was weakly correlated with those of the other lobes, and the capacity of L to accumulate high levels of trace elements would only be observed at high levels of exposure. Taking into account the main findings of the study, a single sample of liver taken from the same anatomical region (excluding CAU and L) would be adequate for determining the trace element status of cattle.

Feed Additives Produced on the Basis of Organic Forms of Micronutrients as a Means of Biofortification of Food of Animal Origin

In recent years, there has been a steadily growing demand for animal protein. Consumer awareness is also growing every year, which is why breeders are obliged to provide animals with the best possible environmental conditions that will determine the productivity of animals and the quality of raw materials obtained from them. Today's consumer is looking for not only the highest quality food but also the one that will characterize health-promoting properties. Therefore, food is sought, which will be characterized by a favorable profile of fatty acids and a high content of biologically active ingredients, such as vitamins or minerals. One of the most effective methods of enriching food with these ingredients is their supplementation in feed. However, it should be remembered that the form in which such a component will be delivered is very important. High hopes are associated with the possibility of using organic forms of macro- and micronutrients, which are sometimes better absorbed than inorganic salts. The aim of the work was to collect and systematize knowledge related to the possibility of enriching food of animal origin with micronutrients using additional feed containing these ingredients in organic form.