Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content of ass's milk

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content of ass's milk. Twenty four individual milk samples were collected from 4 lactating asses. During the experimental period milk samples were collected every 3 weeks interval, using a milking machine; asses were housed with the foals that were separated from the jennets 3 hours before milking. Milk was analysed for Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration mean (±SD) of Ca Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu were respectively 334.61±39.80, 58.46±8.43, 1.99±0.51, 1.15±0.52, 0.16±0.06 mg/kg. Mn was found only at trace level. Iron content of ass's milk was the most variable ranging from 0.43 to 1.88 mg/kg. Correlation coefficients were positive and significant between Ca and Mg (r=0.63), Zn and Mg (r=0.45), Zn and Fe (r=0.49) and Zn and Cu (r=0.50). In this study, except for Fe, mean concentration of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu in ass's milk was similar to those reported in literature for human milk.