A SURVEY OF MATERNAL AND FETAL TISSUE ZINC, IRON, MANGANESE AND SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BOVINE

Abstract

Whole bovine fetuses and liver and kidney from corresponding dams, from nonpregnant cows, from heifers, and from steers were collected during routine slaughter operation at a local packing plant in Saskatoon. Fetal liver, kidney, heart and brain, and liver and kidney from adult cattle were analyzed for Zn, Fe, and in some cases for Mn and Se. Pregnancy did not significantly alter the dam liver Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations. Fetal liver Zn, Fe and Se concentrations were several-fold higher and Mn concentrations lower than those in liver from corresponding dams. Liver Se concentrations were significantly lower in the nonpregnant cows, of which 34% originated from gray black and muskeg soils in Saskatchewan. Liver Se concentrations of fetuses and pregnant cows originating from muskeg and gray (wooded) soils were significantly lower than those from other areas of Saskatchewan. Correlations between Zn, Fe, Mn, Se and Cu between and within dam and fetal tissues were low, except for dam and fetal liver Se concentration (r = 0.65). Possible interactions between these micronutrients in both the dam and fetus and sources of biases which occur in this type of a survey are discussed. Key words: Zinc, iron, maganese, selenium, cattle, pregnancy