A study of the composition of Clun Forest ewe's milk. II. Mineral constituents

Abstract

1. This paper provides further information on the mineral content of the milk of Clun Forest ewes, particularly those elements not dealt with in a previous paper, namely, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and certain trace elements.2. The average composition was as follows: calcium 0.200, magnesium 0.0147, sodium 0.046, potassium 0.168, phosphorus 0.140 and chlorine 0.076%; copper 0.22, iron 0.77, manganese 0.07 and aluminium 1.7 parts per million. Where possible the results are compared with those obtained by other workers for ewe's and cow's milk.3. Statistical analysis of the data showed that, with the exception of phosphorus, the content of major elements varied significantly during the lactation period. There was also a significant variation in all major elements between sheep.