Comparative study of the mineral composition of several varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from different countries cultivated in Canary Islands (Spain)

Potatoes are a basic component of human diets worldwide being an excellent source of minerals linked the maintenance of health. Contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), cupper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in seventy‐four fresh potato samples from different varieties consumed in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain) were determined by flame atomic absorption spetrometry (FAAS). The mean concentrations were 60.1 mg kg^?1, 222 mg kg^?1, 5047 mg kg^?1, 125 mg kg^?1, 1.69 mg kg^?1, 8 mg kg^?1, 1.70 mg kg^?1, 3.88 mg kg^?1, 62.7 μg kg^?1 and 19.9 μg kg^?1 for Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Cr, respectively. The varieties of local potatoes presented higher mineral contents than imported potatoes. Potassium presented the highest contents in all varieties of potatoes. Iron was the most abundant microelement. Local potatoes offer greater nutritional contributions to the recommended intakes than imported varieties. Within the macrominerals, the highest contribution to the intakes was observed for K, while Fe was the trace element with the largest contribution to the proposed intake.     

Effect of cellulase/glucanase/xylanase (Roxazyme G2) enzymes combination on nutrients utilisation of vegetable meal (Amaranthus cruentus) fed as sole dietary protein source in rat assay

Amaranthus cruentus vegetable meal (ACVM) had 23% crude protein. Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe were abundant at 2.0 g kg^?1, 7.1 g kg^?1, 4.8 g kg^?1, 2.5 g kg^?1, 1109 mg kg^?1, respectively. P‐phosporous, oxalates and tannins were noticeable. Lysine, methionine and cystine were limiting. Weight gain for rats on the reference (casein) diet 2 at 6.30 g ±2.87 was highest (P < 0.05) followed by diet 6 (12% ACVM with enzyme supplementation) at 5.01 g ±2.42. Feed intakes were similar (P > 0.05) for rats on the reference diet and for rats on 10% and 12% with/without enzyme supplementation ranging from 42.90 g ± 4.52 in reference diet to 45.12 g ± 3.64. Nitrogen retention was highest for rats on reference diet but similar (P > 0.05) to rats on 12% enzyme supplemented diet at 0.53 ± 1.12 and 0.53 ± 2.10, respectively. Other investigated protein evaluation parameters revealed similar results among rats kept on reference diet and the rats on ACVM based diets with enzyme supplementations. Enzyme supplementation had a complimentary role in ACVM nutrition in rat trial.     

Chemical characterisation of Nephrops norvegicus from Portuguese coast

BACKGROUND: Among seafood products, crustaceans are an important group owing to their nutritional benefits and high market value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate composition as well as essential and non‐essential elements in the edible muscle of Nephrops norvegicus (Norway lobster). RESULTS: The studied crustacean showed a high protein level of about 210 g kg^?1 and a mineral level of about 24 g kg^?1. The pattern for the elements studied was Cl > Na > K > P > S > Ca > Mg > Br > Fe > Sr ≈ Zn > Cu > Mn > Rb > Se > Ni > Cr. Regarding non‐essential elements, the average total Hg content was 0.40 mg kg^?1, but two samples exceeded the legal limit set by the European Union (EU) for Hg in crustaceans (0.50 mg kg^?1). The levels of Pb and Cd found in all samples were below the EU limits (0.50 mg kg^?1 for both metals). CONCLUSION: Nephrops norvegicus is a good source of protein and contains most minerals at levels sufficient to satisfy the dietary reference intake. The amounts of Pb and Cd are not a concern. Hg levels indicate some contamination; however, taking into account the type of consumption of this species, it can be concluded that this does not represent a risk in terms of the human diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition,cooking quality,texture and consumer acceptance of pasta with Eruca vesicaria leaves

In this study, pasta with dried Eruca vesicaria leaves commonly known as Rocket salad and spinach leaves flours were prepared. Samples were evaluated for its chemical composition, cooking quality, textural, colour and consumer acceptance. Results showed that pasta with Eruca vesicaria had the highest dietary fibre content (5.30–9.50 g/100 g) and the lowest fat content (2.13–2.80 g/100 g). The optimally cooked pasta with 5% of leaves (stored 30 days) and pasta with 10% of leaves (stored 14 days) have good cooking quality with cooking loss ≤8%. The green colour and textural characteristics of pastas were stable during all period at 4 °C. Textural characteristics of pasta with rocket and spinach were similar. Pasta with 10% of rocket leaves has presented the highest overall acceptability score.     

Iron,zinc and phytic acid content of selected rice varieties from China

Rice is the major Chinese staple food (per capita approx 250 g day^?1) and, as such, is an important source of essential minerals. However, due to a number of factors the bio‐availability of these minerals is limited. In this study, the variation of phytic acid (PA), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) levels in 56 varieties of Chinese rice was investigated. The samples included in this study were collected in proportion to the importance of the rice‐growing regions in China. Fe levels showed the biggest variation (9–45 mg kg^?1) and were not related with PA content or grain shape although growing locations were identified yielding higher (25.2 mg kg^?1) and lower (14.2 mg kg^?1) Fe levels. Zn showed a moderate variability (13–39 mg kg^?1), which was narrower than for Fe, while broader than for PA (7.2–11.9 g kg^?1). Zn content is correlated (R² = 0.5; P < 0.01) with PA content, and shows a relation with growing region and kernel shape. Variation of PA content is the least among the three components. Molar ratios of PA to Fe and Zn ranged from 15 to 105 and 27 to 67, respectively. The results of the mineral contents and PA content can be interpreted in terms of expected bio‐availability. This study shows that the mineral bio‐availability of Chinese rice varieties will be <4%. Despite the variation in mineral contents, in all cases the PA present is expected to render most mineral present unavailable. We conclude that there is scope for optimisation of mineral contents of rice by matching suitable varieties and growing regions, and that rice products require processing that retains minerals but results in thorough dephytinisation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro protein digestibility and mineral availability of green beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL) as influenced by variety and pod size

Three varieties of green beans (Cleo, Strike and Sentry) were harvested and sorted into four fractions according to pod size (diameter <7 mm; 7–8·5 mm; 8·6–10 mm and >10 mm). Ash content and dietary fibre increased significantly as pod size increased mainly in Cleo and Strike beans. Strike showed the highest fibre content (378·0 g kg⁻¹) but the lowest carbohydrate (364·6 g kg⁻¹) and ash (68·4 g kg⁻¹) values. Mean values for Fe and Mg content were higher in Cleo beans (70·9 and 27·1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), Zn, Cu and Mg were higher in Strike beans (48·7 mg kg⁻¹, 22·4 mg kg⁻¹ and 3·15 g kg⁻¹, respectively) while Na and Ca values were maximum in Sentry (459·1 mg kg⁻¹ and 7·11 g kg⁻¹, respectively). Trypsin inhibitor was negatively related to in vitro protein digestibility but no relationship was found between this last parameter and phytic acid content. This antinutrient, together with dietary fibre, and a negative influence on in vitro mineral dialysability of green beans. © 1998 SCI     

Chemical composition and nutritive value of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) in rats

The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is the starchy fruit of a palm tree widely cultivated in Central and South America. The present study aimed at determining its chemical composition and its nutritive value in rats. The average chemical composition of 17 samples was as follows: 410 g kg^?1 water and, in g kg^?1 of dry matter (DM), 54 g crude protein, 114 g oil, 39 g neutral detergent fibre, 716 g starch, 21 g sugars and 18 g ash. The main variability was observed for the oil (60–180 g kg^?1 DM) and starch (590–780 g DM) contents. The proteins contained, on average, in g kg^?1 of proteins, 49 g lysine, 13 g methionine, 19 g cysteine, 39 g threonine and 7 g tryptophan. The mineral fraction contained, per kg DM: 1.0 g Ca, 0.8 g P, 0.6 g Mg, 0.3 g Na, 44 mg Fe, 4 mg Cu and 10 mg Zn. The digestibility of four peach palm genotypes was determined in rats fed a diet composed of 350 g kg^?1 of peach palm and 650 g of a control diet based on maize and soybean meal. The digestibility of DM, energy, starch and protein of peach palm alone reached, on average 91, 87, 96 and 95%, respectively. No difference was observed between varieties, except for starch (p < 0.05). On average, peach palm contained 51 g of truly digestible protein kg^?1 DM and 3.691 kcal digestible energy kg^?1 DM. A growth trial was also carried out for 1 month on rats (initial weight: 78 g) fed a diet containing 0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 g peach palm kg^?1, at the expense of a diet composed of maize starch and casein. The growth rate of the rats decreased (p < 0.05) as the peach palm concentration increased. The growth decrease was due to a decrease (p < 0.05) in DM intake and to the lower quality of the peach palm protein. It is concluded that peach palm is mainly an energy source for humans and animals. It is poor in protein and minerals but can be consumed in large amounts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus,Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus)

Accumulation levels of trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus) from the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey were investigated. Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lowest Cu (1.33 mg kg^?1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg^?1) and highest Mn (1.52 mg kg^?1) concentrations were found in P. longirostris, the lowest Zn (6.25 mg kg^?1), Fe (1.84 mg kg^?1) and Mn (0.25 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. serratus and the highest Cu (6.19 mg kg^?1), Cd (2.36 mg kg^?1), Zn (30.84 mg kg^?1) and Fe (33.89 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. semisulcatus. The Cd levels detected in P. semisulcatus and P. serratus were above legislative limits. Our results show that there were significant differences in trace element concentrations among the three shrimp species. The highest levels of the five trace elements investigated, with the exception of Mn, were found in edible tissue of P. semisulcatus. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rocket salad (Diplotaxis and Eruca spp.) sensory analysis and relation with glucosinolate and phenolic content

BACKGROUND: Salad crops of the Brassicaceae family, such as Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca vesicaria, commonly referred to as ‘rocket salads’, have attracted considerable interest as culinary vegetables because of their strong flavour and their content of putative health‐promoting compounds. Among such compounds, glucosinolates and phenolics are well‐known phytochemicals with an important role also in determining the characteristic flavour of these species. In this study, to identify potentially high‐value rocket salads, 37 cultivated types were examined for sensory characters and their relations with glucosinolate and phenolic contents, which ranged from 0.76 to 3.03 g kg^?1 dry weight (DW) and from 4.68 to 31.39 g kg^?1 DW, respectively. RESULTS: The perception of bitter taste was significantly affected by specific glucosinolates, namely progoitrin/epiprogoitrin and dimeric glucosativin. Aroma intensity was negatively related to glucoalyssin content, whereas pungency was significantly related to total glucosinolate content. Kaempferol‐3‐(2‐sinapoyl‐glucoside)‐4′‐glucoside was positively and significantly related to all flavour trait perceptions. Aroma intensity, pungency, crunchiness and juiciness were positively related to typical rocket salad flavour perception through a prominent direct effect. CONCLUSION: Aroma intensity, pungency, crunchiness and juiciness were strong determinants of overall rocket salad flavour perception. Visual traits also characterised sensory components. Bitterness, usually considered a negative flavour trait, was moderately perceived in the examined material, without negatively affecting typical flavour perception. In the range of the examined material, glucosinolate content did not contrast with typical flavour, demonstrating that good taste and putative health‐promoting properties may coexist. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Validation of the procedure for the determination of maduramicin in concentrates,premixes, and feeds by liquid chromatography

A single laboratory validation was carried out for the determination of maduramicin in concentrates, premixes, and feed. The method comprised sample extraction of maduramicin, derivatization with dansylhydrazine and liquid chromatography with ultraviolet light detection. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.4 and 1.0 mg kg^?1, respectively. The repeatability expressed as the average difference between the results of duplicate measurements was 5.9% at the concentration level of 1% (concentrate), 7.1% at the concentration level of 1 g kg^?1 (premix), and 11% with the feed containing maduramicin with the nominal concentration of 5 mg kg^?1 and feed spiked at the concentration level of 1 mg kg^?1. The relative standard deviations for the within-laboratory reproducibility (RSD_W) were 9.2%, 16%, 18%, and 17% at the concentration levels of 1%, 1 g kg^?1, 5 mg kg^?1, and 1 mg kg^?1, respectively. The measurement uncertainties were ±0.2%, ±0.3 g kg^?1, ±1.9 mg kg^?1, and ±0.3 mg kg^?1 at the same concentration levels, respectively.     

Essential elements and contaminants in tissues of commercial pelagic fish from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

BACKGROUND: It is important to determine the concentrations of essential and non‐essential metals in fish for human health. The essential elements and contaminants (Pb and Cd) were determined seasonally in the muscle and liver of some pelagic fish species round herring (Etrumeus teres), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) from the Iskenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. RESULTS: The Na, K, Ca and Mg were the most abundant elements in muscle and liver tissues. The Na, K, Ca and Mg concentrations in fish tissues were between 51.7 and 3426 mg kg^?1. Muscle accumulated the lowest levels of elements. Trace element and contaminant levels in muscle were highest in spring and summer. The Cu, Zn and Cr concentrations were highest in summer. The Ni, Mn and Fe concentrations were highest in spring. The maximum Pb concentrations in the muscle and liver of fish species was 0.39 and 0.80 mg kg^?1 in autumn. The maximum Cd concentration in the muscle of fish was 0.27 mg kg^?1 in spring and the maximum Cd concentration in the liver was 0.78 mg kg^?1 in summer. CONCLUSION: The Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn levels in muscle were found to be lower than permissible limits reported by various authorities. Estimated weekly and daily intake for Pb and Cd by consumption of fish muscle were far below the PTWI and PTDI values established by FAO/WHO. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mineral contents of some aromatic plants,their growth soils and infusions

BACKGROUND: In this study, 18 kinds of medicinal plants were collected together with their soils from different regions of Turkey and their macro‐ and micro‐element and heavy metal contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). In soils, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate (lime), organic matter, texture, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B were analysed. In plants and extracts, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Na, Al, Li, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Cr contents were determined. Also, correlations between soil and plant and between plant and extract were established. RESULTS: Element concentrations ranged between 0.11 and 5160 µg g^?1 in soil samples, between 0.14 and 54400 µg g^?1 in plant samples and between 0.039 and 22033 µg g^?1 in extract samples. While sage was rich in Fe (981.3 µg g^?1), basil was abundant in P (9.8 mg g^?1), K (54.4 mg g^?1), Ca (22.6 mg g^?1), Mg (3.1 mg g^?1) and Zn (46.05 µg g^?1) and mint was rich in Li (23.50 µg g^?1). Moreover, while high levels of P (4100.9 µg g^?1), K (22033 µg g^?1) and Mg (529.15 µg g^?1) were found in basil extract, Ca (5979.3 µg g^?1) was present at high concentration in marjoram leaf extract. Also, Fe (4.25 µg g^?1) and Zn (17.51 µg g^?1) were detected at high levels in lime flower and mint extracts respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that aromatic plants are important sources of nutrients and essential elements. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Variation of mineral contents with nutritional interest in a collection of Solanum tuberosum group Phureja tubers

Colombia has a biodiversity centre of diploid potatoes located at south of the country. This study evaluated the amounts of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in a biodiversity panel of potato tubers, constituting native cultivars, accessions of the Working Collection of Potato Breeding Program at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (CCC) and commercial cultivars. The highest quantity of minerals found were as follows: 34 333 ± 4509 mg K kg⁻¹ potato dry weight (DW; CCC112), 1965 ± 898 mg Ca kg⁻¹ potato DW (CCC23), 87.5 ± 8.8 mg Fe kg⁻¹ potato DW (CCC116) and 60.7 ± 5.1 mg Zn kg⁻¹ potato DW (CCC31). As compared to those in commercial cultivars, the currently evaluated tubers had an increase of 1.4, 12.5, 3.5 and 3.6-fold in K, Ca, Fe and Zn. These genotypes can be used in the future breeding programmes to enhance specific mineral contents in tubers.     

Chemical composition,amino acid and fatty acid contents,and mineral concentrations of European beaver (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castor fiber</Emphasis> L.) meat

The present investigation was designed to determine the meat nutritional profile of European beaver (Castor fiber L.). The proximate composition, energy value, amino acids composition, chemical scores for indispensable amino acids, fatty acids composition and mineral concentrations were determined. In 100 g of meat the content for moisture ranged from 75.42 to 77.32 g, for protein from 20.21 to 22.33 g, for fat from 0.66 to 2.44 and for ash from 1.12 to 1.24 g. The Nutritional Quality Index for muscle protein was 9. The indispensable amino acids (IAA) at the highest content were lysine and leucine (1.85 and 1.65 g 100 g^?1). The average percentage of IAA was 45% and their chemical scores amounted to more than 100. The total percentages of trans-, saturated (SFA), mono, and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were 2.25, 32.25, 18.83 and 49.08%. The ratio of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA were 1.56 and 5.58. The cholesterol content averaged 55.10 mg 100 g^?1. The muscle tissue of beavers contained favourable amount of minerals, particularly Fe and heme Fe (64.49 and 45.60 mg kg^?1), Zn and Cu (45.07 and 0.98 mg kg^?1), as well a low level of Na (461.9 mg kg^?1). Summing up, beavers are a valuable nutritional meat source with a desirable chemical composition and a low calorific value and can constitute a healthy alternative food as advantageous for human health and coherent with diet recommendations.     

Elemental composition of commercial sea cucumbers (holothurians)

Toxic and essential elements in 11 different sea cucumber species were determined and compared with daily intake recommendations and maximum allowed levels. The contents of macro-elements contents in dried sea cucumber samples were found to be 25,000–152,000?mg?kg^–1 for Na, 4000–8600?mg?kg^?1 for Mg, 1100–5200?mg?kg^?1 for K, 15,000–68,000?mg?kg^?1 and 36,300–251,000?mg?kg^?1 for Cl. Trace element concentrations in dried sea cucumber samples were found to be 11–100?mg?kg^?1 for Zn, 41–660?mg?kg^?1 for Fe, 3–74?mg?kg^?1 for Cu, 1.1–16?mg?kg^?1 for Mn, 1.4–3.7?mg?kg^?1 for Se, 1.1–9.6?mg?kg^?1 for Cr, and 0.3–5.1?mg?kg^?1 for Ni. All sea cucumber species were rich sources of Na, Cl, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Se and Cr for human consumption. Regarding contaminants, As, Cd and Pb concentrations in dried sea cucumbers were in the ranges of 1.1–6.1, 0.03–0.06 and 0.11–0.69?mg?kg^?1, respectively. Moreover, Hg values of 11 sea cucumbers were below the detection limit (0.01?mg?kg^?1).     

Kigelia africana seed: proximate,mineral, vitamin E,fibre, amino acid and fatty acid composition

Research reports on the ethnomedical and pharmacological potential of Kigelia africana extracts. In this study, the nutritional potential of K. africana seed and seed oil was evaluated by chemical analyses. Organic matter and ash constituted 915.23 ± 7.98 g kg^?1 DM and 49.05 ± 4.55 g kg^?1 DM of the seed mass, respectively. Oil constituted 492.2 g kg^?1 DM of the seed mass with oleic acid, linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid constituting 17.6%, 12.9% and 54.3%, respectively, of the seed oil. Vitamin E concentration was 0.94 ± 0.25 μg g^?1. Crude protein was 357.35 ± 3.39 g kg^?1 DM. Arginine (6.14 ± 0.31 g per 100 g) as the most abundant amino acid and hydroxyproline (0.11 ± 0.06 g per 100 g) the least. Phosphorus (1123.2 mg per 100 g) and calcium (56.1 mg per 100 g) were, respectively, the most and least abundant minerals. Gross energy was 29.6 ± 0.06 MJ kg^?1. Kigelia africana seeds could be exploited as nutrient‐dense dietary supplement rich in protein, oleic acid and essential fatty acids.     

Elements in rice on the Swedish market: Part 2. Chromium,copper, iron,manganese, platinum,rubidium, selenium and zinc

A survey of the levels of some essential and non-essential trace elements in different types of rice available on the Swedish retail market was carried out in 2001–03. The types of rice included long and short grain, brown, white, and parboiled white. The mean levels found were: chromium (Cr)?=?0.008 mg kg^?1, copper (Cu)?=?1.9 mg kg^?1, iron (Fe)?=?4.7 mg kg^?1, manganese (Mn)?=?16 mg kg^?1, platinum (Pt)?<?0.0003 mg kg^?1, rubidium (Rb)?=?3.3 mg kg^?1, selenium (Se) =0.1 mg kg^?1; and zinc (Zn)?=?15 mg kg^?1. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the determination of Pt, Rb, and Se, after acid digestion. All other elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after dry ashing. Intake calculations were performed and it was concluded that rice may contribute considerably to the daily requirements of the essential elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn if rice consumption is high. The levels of some elements, e.g. Fe and Mn, were significantly higher in brown compared with white rice.     

Bioactivities of essential oil and extract of Thymus argaeus,Turkish endemic wild thyme

BACKGROUND: Thymus argaeus Boiss. & Bal. (Lamiaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey known as wild thyme, is traditionally used as a spice and a wild tea in the Inner Anatolia region of Turkey. In this study the composition of the essential oil and the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract and essential oil of T. argaeus were determined. RESULTS: The main components of the essential oil were linalool (499 g kg^?1), α‐terpineol (150 g kg^?1), linalyl acetate (97 g kg^?1) and thymol (94 g kg^?1). The total phenolic, flavanol and flavonol contents of the extract were 83.31 ± 0.59 mg gallic acid equivalent g^?1, 6.26 ± 0.00 mg catechin equivalent g^?1 and 28.81 ± 0.21 mg rutin equivalent g^?1 respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extract and essential oil determined by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging method were 830.18 ± 0.42 and 20.47 ± 2.3 mg g^?1 respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the extract and essential oil against 13 bacteria and two yeasts were studied by the agar diffusion method. The micro‐organisms most sensitive to the essential oil were Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the micro‐organism most sensitive to the extract was P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Only the extract of T. argaeus could be used as a natural antioxidant, while both the extract and the essential oil could be useful as natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

First-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and yields: Comparison to second milking and associations with serum mineral concentrations,parity, and yield in multiparous Jersey cows

This observational study described first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields, and evaluated its associations with cow serum mineral concentrations, parity, and first postpartum milking yield in 100 multiparous Jersey cows from a single herd fed a negative dietary cation-anion difference diet prepartum. Additionally, first- and second-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields were compared in a subset of 65 cows. Serum minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu) were assessed before first milking. Cows were milked at 9 h and 4 min ± 3 h and 32 min and at 21 h and 11 min ± 3 h and 43 min postpartum (± standard deviation); yields were recorded and samples collected for mineral concentrations assessment (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu). Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields and cows' serum mineral concentrations, parity, first-milking colostrum yield, and calving-to-milking interval. The most abundant minerals in first-milking colostrum were (least squares mean ± standard error of the mean) Ca (55.71 ± 13.52 mmol/L; 8.75 ± 5.74 g) and P (41.91 ± 13.01 mmol/L; 5.26 ± 3.72 g), followed by Na (39.65 ± 13.23 mmol/L; 3.08 ± 1.77 g), K (36.47 ± 7.57 mmol/L; 5.79 ± 4.20 g), Mg (13.43 ± 3.09 mmol/L; 1.25 ± 0.78 g), Zn (272.12 ± 113.34 μmol/L; 71.98 ± 55.34 mg), Fe (12.51 ± 3.79 μmol/L; 2.56 ± 1.55 mg), and Cu (3.34 ± 1.22 μmol/L; 0.77 ± 0.56 mg). Higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cu, and total yields of Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu were observed at first- compared with second-milking colostrum. Serum and first-milking colostrum Cu concentrations were positively associated, but no significant associations were observed between other minerals' serum and first-milking colostrum concentrations or total yields. Parity was associated with first-milking colostrum Ca, P, K, and Fe concentrations and yields; younger multiparous cows had higher concentrations and total yields of these minerals. Linear (Fe), quadratic (P, Na, and K), and cubic (Mg, Zn, and Cu) associations were observed between first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and yield. In all cases, mineral total yields were linearly associated with first-milking colostrum yield. In conclusion, variation in first-milking colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields across cows could be partially explained by cow parity and colostrum yield. Further research including primiparous and cows under different management settings is needed to expand the knowledge and understanding of colostrum mineral concentrations and total yields in dairy cows.     

Micronutrients (B,Co, Cu,Fe, Mn,Mo, and Zn) content in made tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and tea infusion with health prospect: A critical review

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is a perennial acidophilic crop, and known to be a nonalcoholic stimulating beverage that is most widely consumed after water. The aim of this review paper is to provide a detailed documentation of selected micronutrient contents, viz. boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) in made tea and tea infusion. Available data from the literature were used to calculate human health aspect associated with the consumption of tea infusion. A wide range of micronutrients reported in both made tea and tea infusion could be the major sources of micronutrients for human. The content of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in made tea are ranged from 3.04 to 58.44 μg g^?1, below detectable limit (BDL) to 122.4 μg g^?1, BDL to 602 μg g^?1, 0.275 to 13,040 μg g^?1, 0.004 to 15,866 μg g^?1, 0.04 to 570.80 μg g^?1 and 0.01 to 1120 μg g^?1, respectively. Only 3.2 μg L^?1 to 7.25 mg L^?1, 0.01 μg L^?1 to 7 mg L^?1, 3.80 μg L^?1 to 6.13 mg L^?1, 135.59 μg L^?1 ?11.05 mg L^?1, 0.05 μg L^?1 to 1980.34 mg L^?1, 0.012 to 3.78 μg L^?1, and 1.12 μg L^?1 to 2.32 μg L^?1 of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, respectively, are found in tea infusion which are lower than the prescribed limit of micronutrients in drinking water by World Health Organization. Furthermore, micronutrient contents in tea infusion depend on infusion procedure as well as on the instrument used for analysis. The proportion of micronutrients found in different tea types are 1.0–88.9% for B, 10–60% for Co, 2.0–97.8% for Cu, 67.8–89.9% for Fe, 71.0–87.4% for Mn, 13.3–34% for Mo, and 34.9–83% for Zn. From the results, it can also be concluded that consumption of three cups of tea infusion per day does not have any adverse effect on human health with respect to the referred micronutrients rather got beneficial effects to human.