Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the trace mineral status of cattle from north and south Trinidad. A total of 73 animals were sampled, 35 at a slaughterhouse in the north and 38 at a slaughterhouse in the south. Samples of liver tissue were analysed for Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Co, whilst all except Co were measured in blood serum. Hair samples were analysed for Zn, Cu, and Mn. Copper concentrations in the three tissues were below the critical levels in over 90% of the animals sampled in the north and in all 38 animals sampled in the south. Liver and serum concentrations were significantly correlated (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). Zinc, Mn, and Mo concentrations in liver tissue from all 7 3 animals were above the critical levels with only one animal from north Trinidad showing liver Co concentrations below the critical level. Unlike other studies, a significant correlation was observed for liver Co and Zn concentrations (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). Positive relationships were observed between serum Zn and Cu (r = 0.30, P < 0.05) and likewise serum Zn and Mn (r = 0.47, P < 0.01). From the study it was concluded that liver and blood serum mineral concentrations were good indicators of the mineral status of grazing cattle. The study also indicated that dietary Cu is deficient and that this deficient and that this deficiency can be a major limiting nutritional factor to animal production Trinidad.
