Evaluation of the Mineral Concentration in Beef from Polish Native Cattle

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the content of macrominerals and microminerals in the longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of young bulls of five breeds—Polish Red (PR), White-Backed (WB), Polish Black-and-White (PBW), Simmental (SIM) and Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF). The meat of the Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls was found to contain significantly less K, Mg and Ca and more Mn than other breeds. The meat of the White-Backed bulls contained significantly (P < 0.01) more Ca and less Na than the meat of the Polish Red, Simmental and Polish Holstein-Friesian breeds. Moreover, the meat of White-Backed bulls showed a significantly (P < 0.01) higher level of Mn and Cu in comparison with other native breeds (Polish Red and Polish Black-and-White) and the Simmental breed. Similar content of macronutrients was found in the LL and ST muscles. However, in the case of micronutrients, the LL muscle contained significantly more Zn, Fe and Cu as well as Mn (P > 0.05).