Niveles de minerales en pasturas y tejidos de bovinos de carne en el Uruguay

Abstract

In the present study information on mineral concentration in natural pastures in different areas in Uruguay as well as a bovine liver, bone and in blood serum of animals grazing these natural grassland was seeked for. On the field biopsies techniques (liver and bone) were also evaluated. Minerals studied were: phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.

Samples were obtained from claved cows during late Spring and Summer and yearling steers during Autumm. Resulis found were: low values of phosphorous in pasture (0,11 - 0,20% of D. M.) in serum (3,4 - 5,8 mg/100 and in bone ash (15,9 - 17,3%; high levels of calcium in pastures (0,23 - 0,74% of D.M.) normal ín serum (9,13 -10,1 mg/100 ml) and normal in bone ash (36,4- 40.0%; high magnesium levels in pasture (0,17 - 0,25% of D.M.), normal levels in serum (2,16 -2,76 mg/100 and low levels in bone ash (0,53 - 0,71%); very low copper levels in pastures (1,28 - 2,98% of D.M.) normal levels in liver (129,4 - 307,3 ppm); very low to normal levels of zinc in pastures (6,23 - 38,9% of D.M.) and very high levels in liver (129,7 - 437,4 ppm); very high levels of manganese in pastures (102 - 475 ppm or D.M.). Extraction of animal tissues for biopsies proved to be feasible and a good technique for these studies on field conditions in Uruguay.