Concentrations of macroelements and trace elements in milk of Jersey cows

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine concentration of macroelements (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K), and some microelements, including toxic heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Cd and Hg) in milk of Jersey cows. Milk samples were collected from Jersey cows kept in tie-stall barn in Greater Poland Province. The feeding was based on total mixed ration mixture. The maximum permitted level of Pb concentration in raw milk (0.02 mg/kg wet weight)was significantly exceeded (0.063±0.035 mg/dm3). The content of Hg was very low (0.106±0.057 µg/dm3).Significant (P≤0.05) Spearman coefficient correlations were observed between contents of some elements in milk. Especially interesting were positive correlations of heavy metals: Cd-Cr, Co-Mn, Cr-Zn, Mn-Zn. Additionally the content of Ca was positively correlated with numerous elements: Hg, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mg, and negatively correlated with the content of Fe.