Effects of Age, Breed, Sex and Muscle on Certain Mineral Concentrations in Cattle

Abstract

ABSTRACT Concentrations of K, Na, Fe, Zn, Ca, Cu and Mg were determined in the longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus and diaphragm muscles. In 94 market weight animals the average concentrations of the elements in ppm of wet weight in the three muscles ranged as follows: Cu, 0.70–1.66; Fe, 18.0–38.1; Ca, 23.8–30.2; Zn, 26.8–40.5: Ma. 198–248: Na. 528–708: and K. 3060–3840. The concentrations of all seven elements in the diaphragm muscle were significantly different from those in the other two muscles. The Cu, Fe, Zn and Mg contents in the longissimus dorsi were significantly different from those in the semimembranosis. Sex and breed differences were less pronounced. In a group of 20 mature cows, Fe, Ca, Zn, Mg and Na were affected by age.