A case of chronic zinc poisoning in calves fed with zinc‐contaminated roughage

Summary

A case of zinc intoxication in young female cattle is described. The clinical signs consisted of reduced appetite, emaciation, submandibular oedema and diarrhoea. The source of zinc proved to be roughage harvested in the vicinity of a factory galvanizing steel tubes. In this roughage zinc levels between 3000 and 7300 mg/kg dry weight were found. In the liver of four animals zinc levels varied between 420 and 1600 mg/kg, a between 910 and 1680 mg/kg dry weight in the kidneys.     

Thyroid activity in relation to feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion in growing heifers

Phenotypic and genetic parameters for thyroid activity (T4 serum level, T4 apparent distribution volume, T4 fractional turnover rate and T4 degradation), and for certain production traits (roughage dry matter intake, daily weight gain and roughage dry matter/kg weight gain), were investigated in cattle. In the experiment, 480 growing heifers were studied, daughters of 20 AI sires previously tested for thyroid activity. Repeatabilities for thyroid traits 2-3 months apart varied, with an average 0.3-0.6 for the different traits. Heritability estimates based on sire components were 0.1-0.4 for the thyroid traits, 0.16 +/- .10 for roughage intake and 0.18 +/- .11 for daily gain. The sire component for feed efficiency (roughage dry matter/kg weight gain) was 0, and genetic correlations between thyroid traits and the production traits in growing heifers were low with large standard errors.     

Rearing of female cattle twins using complete feed pellets in comparison to straw pellets plus concentrate mixture. 1. Weight gain performance and feed expenditure as well as rumen fermentation conditions during the 4th-12th months of life

The investigations with young female cattle (twin cattle, n = 30) the applicability of straw as sole roughage after the end of the suckling period was tested. Completely (I) and partly (II) pelleted rations of dried feed with a straw component of 65% each in the total rations were used. Feed intake, development of body weight, feed expenditure as well as indexes of rumen fermentation and of the concentration of some metabolism parameters in the blood serum were measured. In the complete test period (between 5th and 12th months of life, 243 days) there were not any significant differences between the groups in all registrations. Average daily weight gains of 570 g were achieved with an overall high dry matter (2.6 kg/100 kg live weight) and roughage (straw) intake (1.6 kg dry matter/100 kg live weight). The standard expenditure of energy and protein given for the stage of development was differentiatedly undercut. The energy expenditure being below the standard (ca. 10%), the total energy expenditure (kEFUcattle) was by 20 (II) and 25% (I) below standard expenditure. Energy expenditure aimed at weight gain reached very satisfactory values with 3.68 (I) and 3.79 kEFUcattle/kg weight gain (II). Protein expenditure fell short of the standard for the development stage by 14 (II) and 20% (I) resp. All parameters ascertained of the rumen and intermediate metabolism were in the physiologic standard range, as is characteristic of feeding regimes with a relatively high quota of roughage.     

Feeding behavior of feedlot lambs fed diets containing levels of cassava wastewater

In this study, we evaluated the effects of including cassava wastewater in the diet on the feeding behavior of feedlot lambs in 35 male uncastrated Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred lambs at an approximate age of 3 months, with an average live weight of 20.0?±?3.4 kg. Diets were formulated with hay of cassava shoots (roughage) and a concentrate based on corn and soybean, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, plus inclusion of cassava wastewater at the levels of 0, 12, 24, 36, or 48 g/kg of the total diet. Feeding behavior was evaluated between the 46th and 52nd days of the experiment. Increasing cassava wastewater levels in the diet reduced (P?<?0.05) the intakes (kg/day) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber as well as the efficiency of rumination (g/cud and g/h) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. The other behavioral parameters were not affected by wastewater inclusion in the diet. Therefore, the inclusion of up to 48 g/kg of cassava wastewater on fresh matter of diets is not recommended for feedlot lambs.     

不同锌水平对荷斯坦种公牛血液理化指标的影响

本文旨在研究不同水平的锌对荷斯坦种公牛血液理化指标的影响。试验选取30头荷斯坦种公牛,随机分为5组,单因子饲养试验设计,分别饲喂不同锌水平的日粮,A为对照组,饲喂基础日粮,B、C、D、E组锌的添加水平分别为50、80、110和200 mg/kg(按日粮干物质计),试验期为8个月。结果表明:(1)不同锌水平对荷斯坦种公牛血清中谷草转氨酶(GOT)和谷丙转氨酶(GPT)酶活性影响极显著(P<0.01),对碱性磷酸酶(AKP)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性无显著影响(P>0.05);(2)不同锌水平对荷斯坦种公牛血清中睾酮含量影响极显著(P<0.01),对血清锌影响不显著(P>0.0 5)。综合分析不同锌水平试验牛生理生化指标的变化得出,锌的适宜添加量为1 1 0 mg/kg日粮干物质。     

Investigations concerning the use of the rumen fermentation regulator monensin in feeding fattening bulls

In two digestion experiments with wethers and seven feeding experiments with 198 fattening bulls with rations rich in (greater than 55% of the dry matter intake from roughage), the influence of the antibiotic monensin on the digestibility of the ration, on rumen-physiologic characteristic values and on fattening and slaughtering results was investigated. The digestibility of the organic matter and the crude nutrients was not significantly influenced by the use of monensin (20 mg/kg dry matter). The administration of 200 mg monensin per fattening bull and day resulted in an increase of the molar concentration of propionate in the rumen fluid by 9.7 mol%, the concentration of acetate and butyrate decreased by 7.3 resp. 2.8 mol %. On an average of the seven experiments the intake of dry matter was diminished by 5.1% through the use of monensin, the live weight increase remained almost unaffected (3.0% additional increase), feed and energy requirement per kg live weight were improved by 7.9%. The fattening results do not always correspond in the various experiments. The results of the dressing of the carcass, the composition of the carcass and the quality of the meat remained unaffected by the administration of monensin.     

饲粮锌添加水平对蛋鸡生产性能及组织锌含量的影响

试验选用66只18周龄商品代伊莎褐育成母鸡。随机分为3组,每组22只,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验1、2组在基础饲粮中分别添加60、180mg/kg的锌。研究不同锌添加水平对蛋鸡生产性能和组织器官重量及锌含量的影响。结果表明,在蛋鸡饲粮中添加锌对产蛋量、耗料量和料蛋比无显著影响(P>0.05),但破蛋率略下降,蛋重显著降低(P<0.05);除输卵管重有显著升高外(P<0.05),蛋鸡体重及其它组织器官重均无显著变化(P>0.05);肝脏中锌含量极显著提高(P<0.01);胫骨和蛋中含量显著提高(P<0.05),血清和羽毛锌有升高趋势。     

不同锌水平对水貂生产性能及营养物质消化率的影响

研究不同锌水平对水貂生产性能及营养物质消化率的影响。结果表明：日粮中添加不同水平的锌有降低水貂干物质、有机物质、蛋白质和脂肪采食量的趋势;锌水平为30mg／kg时显著降低微量元素的排出量,减少微量元素对环境的污染。添加不同锌水平的锌显著提高生长期水貂的日增重。在日粮中添加ZnSO4·7H2O水平为30mg／kg时水貂日增重效果最好。     

饲粮锌水平对鹅再生羽绒品质、血清指标及毛囊发育相关基因表达的影响

本试验旨在探明饲粮锌水平对鹅再生羽绒品质、血清指标及毛囊发育相关基因表达的影响。试验选取在相同条件下饲养的5月龄健康霍尔多巴吉鹅128只,采绒后随机分成4组,每组4个重复,每个重复8只,公母各占1/2。4组试验鹅分别饲喂在基础饲粮(锌水平为31.68 mg/kg)中添加0、60、120和180 mg/kg一水合硫酸锌(ZnSO4·H2 O,折合成锌的添加量分别为0、21.79、43.57和65.36 mg/kg)的饲粮。预试期7 d,正试期42 d。结果显示:1)饲粮中添加不同水平的锌均可增加再生羽绒的千朵绒重以及背部、腹部、胸部绒朵长度,但差异均未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。再生羽绒的羽枝细度随着饲粮中锌添加量的增加而降低,且锌添加量为43.57和65.36 mg/kg时显著低于锌添加量为0和21.79 mg/kg时(P<0.05)。2)当饲粮中锌添加量为65.36 mg/kg时,血清中碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性最高,显著高于锌添加量为0和21.79 mg/kg时(P<0.05);当饲粮中锌添加量为43.57 mg/kg时,血清中甘油三酯(TG)含量达到最高,显著高于锌添加量为0、21.79和65.36 mg/kg时(P<0.05)。饲粮中添加不同水平的锌对血清中总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)和球蛋白(GLOB)含量未产生显著影响(P>0.05)。3)饲粮中添加不同水平的锌对血清中生长激素(GH)和泌乳素(PRL)浓度产生了影响显著(P<0.05),对类胰岛素生长因子-1(IGF-1)浓度未产生显著影响(P>0.05)。饲粮中锌添加量为21.79 mg/kg时,血清中GH和IGF-1浓度均最高,血清中PRL浓度则在锌添加量为43.57 mg/kg时最高。4)血清中锌含量随着饲粮中锌添加量的增加表现为先升高后降低,在锌添加量为43.57 mg/kg时达到最高。血清中钙和铁含量则随着饲粮中锌添加量的增加分别呈现上升和下降趋势。5)毛囊中表皮生长因子(EGF)基因的mRNA相对表达量随着饲粮中锌添加量的增加先升高后降低,在锌添加量为43.57 mg/kg时最高,显著高于锌添加量为65.36 mg/kg时(P<0.05)。毛囊中IGF-1基因的mRNA相对表达量也随着饲粮中锌添加量的增加先升高后降低,但各添加量之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。由此得出,在锌水平为31.68 mg/kg的基础饲粮中添加21.79~43.57 mg/kg锌(使饲粮锌水平达到53.47~75.25 mg/kg)可提高鹅血清中AKP活性以及GH、PRL和IGF-1浓度,影响血清钙和铁含量,提高再生羽绒的千朵绒重与绒朵长度,降低羽枝细度,还可以调节毛囊发育相关基因EGF和IGF-1的表达,从而促进羽绒再生。     

Responses of broilers to dietary zinc concentrations and sources in relation to environmental implications

1. Since high concentrations of zinc are associated with reduced crop yields, environmental concerns are emerging regarding zinc accumulation in areas where poultry production is prevalent. This study investigates growth performance and zinc utilisation during the life cycle of broilers when diets were supplemented with various concentrations of zinc from two different sources. 2. A total of 740 Cobb 500 1-d-old male broiler chicks was randomly distributed into 88 battery cages. Excreta were collected over a 48-h period on d 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, and 45 to measure zinc excretion on a dry matter basis. 3. During the 45-d experimental period, broilers were given a maize-soybean meal basal diet (30 mg/kg zinc) supplemented with 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg of zinc from zinc sulphate, Availa Zn amino acid complex, or an equal combination of zinc sulphate and Availa Zn amino acid complex. 4. Progressive additions of zinc to the basal diet significantly increased body weight gain of broilers, but did not affect feed conversion or mortality. Optimum body weight gain was achieved at 80 mg/kg supplemental zinc, which exceeds the NRC recommendations of 40 mg/kg. 5. During each excreta collection period, increased supplemental zinc concentrations significantly increased zinc excretion. However, the zinc source did not influence zinc utilisation. 6. As compared with zinc sulphate supplementation, the cumulative zinc excretion data indicate that adding zinc to the basal diet in the form of Availa Zn amino acid complex decreased zinc excretion.     

The effects of inclusion levels of urea-treated potato pulp silage in concentrate and roughage sources on finishing performance and carcass quality in cull beef cows

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate (0, 15, 30 or 45%; on a dry matter basis) and roughage sources (rice straw or wheat straw) on finishing performance and carcass quality of cull beef cows. Sixteen Japanese Black (Wagyu) mature cull cows (490 ± 31 kg of BW) were used in this experiment. Increasing the levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate and roughage sources did not significantly affect feed intake in cows. In addition, the final body weight, daily gain and feed : gain ratio were not influenced by the inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate and the type of roughage. Increasing the inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate would probably decrease the marbling score. The L* values of the longissimus muscle (LM) tended to respond quadratically ( P  = 0.078) as the inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate increased, and was lowest for cows fed the concentrate which included 30% potato pulp silage. The a* and b* values of the LM and fat color were not affected by the inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in concentrate. No effects of roughage sources on finishing performance were observed.     

INTENSIVE BEEF PRODUCTION FROM SORGHUM GRAIN The Effects of Quality of Roughage, Supplementation with Tallow and Minerals and Level of Dietary Nitrogen

A 2³ factorial design was used to examine the following treatments on the finishing of steers fed diets of 90% sorghum grain and 10% roughage: cottonseed hulls v. lucerne as the roughage component; nil v. 3% tallow; free-choice supplements of (a) sodium chloride, (b) 50/50 mixture of sodium chloride and rock phosphate, and (c) soil; a decrease in the crude protein level of the diet from 14 to 11% after body weight exceeded 350 kg.
Nine groups, each of 10 Shorthorn steers aged between 12 and 15 months, of an initial mean shrunk liveweight of 215.8 ± SE 0.35 kg were used. Individual steers were slaughtered either at 390 kg liveweight or after 177 days.
The mean growth rate was significantly higher in steers receiving cottonseed hulls than in those fed lucerne (1.27 v. 1.13 kg/day) and was significantly higher in those receiving tallow treatments than in those without tallow (1.28 v. 1.12 kg/day). Steers receiving 14% crude protein throughout showed an increased rate of carcase weight gain of 0.059 kg/day compared with steers receiving 11% from 350 kg body weight. The supplements had no effect on performance.
The overall mean carcase weight gain and dressing percentage were 0.68 kg/day and 59.0%, respectively.
Feed conversion (dry matter) was lower in steers receiving tallow than in those not receiving tallow (5.3 v. 6.3).
Steers fed lucerne exhibited intermittent mild to moderate bloat which did not require treatment.     

Influence of variable content of dietary zinc on copper metabolism of weanling foals

The influence of variable zinc content (29.1, 250, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of dry weight) in a basic diet containing 7.7 mg of copper/kg on the ability of weanling foals to maintain normal copper balance was investigated. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were monitored, and terminal hepatic copper and zinc contents were measured in 4 weanling foals fed the basic diet containing 29.1 mg of zinc/kg and in 2 foals each fed the higher-zinc diets. Foals fed the lower-zinc diets (29.1 and 250 mg/kg) maintained normal serum copper and zinc concentrations for 14 to 15 weeks, whereas those fed the 2 higher-zinc diets became hypocupremic within 5 to 6 weeks and were lame within 6 weeks, owing to cartilaginous disease characteristic of osteochondritis dissecans. Serum zinc concentration in the foals fed the 2 higher-zinc diets increased to greater than 2 micrograms/ml within 2 weeks. Foals fed the high-zinc diets became lame after serum copper concentration had remained at 0.3 micrograms/ml for greater than 1 week. Serum copper concentration in these arthritic foals was less than or equal to 0.2 micrograms/ml at the end of the study. In lame foals, fractures of the cartilage of the articular and growth physes occurred through the zone of hypertrophic cells, and varied from bilateral to unilateral and from small to large. Free masses and flaps of cartilage attached to one side were numerous.     

The rearing of female twin cattle using only feed pellets in comparison with straw pellets plus a concentrate mixture. 2. Weight gain and feed consumption as well as rumen fermentation in the 1st half of the 2d year of life

In investigations with 30 young cows (twin cattle) the applicability of straw materials as sole roughage was tested during the first half of their second year of life (183 feeding days). In the course of the experiment sole feed pellets (I) and partly pelleted rations of dried feed (straw pellets plus loose wheat and loose wheat straw resp.; II) were used. Approximately 72% of the dry matter intake was provided from straw materials in both groups and on an average of the test period. Weight gain and feed expenditure were ascertained and at the end of the test period also the parameters of rumen fermentation and of the concentration of some metabolism parameters in the blood serum. With feed supply being restrictive (2.2 kg dry matter/100 kg live weight), a high dry matter intake from straw (1.6 kg/100 kg live weight or 4.8 kg/animal and day resp.) and average weight gains of between 574 (I) and 582 g (II) were achieved. The standard expenditure of energy (kEFUcattle) and protein stated in the GDR feed evaluation system for this period of development was undercut by 27 (II) and 29 (I)% and 12 (II) and 18 (I)% resp. On average the expenditure of kEFUcattle/kg weight gain was 4.75 (I) and 4.98 (II) and that of digestible crude protein/kg weight gain 679 (I) and 733 g (II). Compared to standard values the expenditure of energy and feed expenditure from concentrates was 80%. Rumen fermentation conditions corresponded to those of a high cellulolytic activity (C2: C3 ratio of greater than 4: 1). The only significant differences between the groups at the time of sampling were to be observed in the total concentration of volatile fatty acids and in the pH-value in the rumen. The absolute (1/animal) and relative (1/kg dry matter intake) volume of rumen fluid varied between 65 and 70 and between 10.5 and 12.5 1. The ascertained concentration of selected metabolism parameters were within the physiologic standard range.     

Roughage levels impact on performance and carcass traits of finishing Nellore cattle fed whole corn grain diets

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of chopped hay levels in high-concentrate diets with whole corn grain (WCG) on performance and carcass traits of finishing Nellore cattle. One hundred and eight 24-month-old Nellore intact males (453 ± 75 kg) were fed one of three WCG-based diets that differed in roughage level: without roughage (WCG), with 5% chopped hay included (WCG5), or with 12% chopped hay included (WCG12) in a block design (based on initial body weight) for 86 days. Animals fed WCG5 or WCG12 had significantly improved on final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage when compared to those fed WCG. The Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.1108), backfat thickness (BFT; P = 0.6089), and rump fat thickness (P = 0.1798) were not affected by roughage levels. Therefore, using WCG diets without roughage negatively affects the performance of feedlot Nellore cattle but does not affect carcass traits and does lead to the minimum BFT required by the industry.     

不同形式氧化锌对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道健康的影响

本试验旨在研究不同形式氧化锌对断奶仔猪生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、血清抗氧化能力及肠道形态的影响。采用完全随机区组试验设计,将144头健康三元(杜×长×大)杂交断奶仔猪[(6.42±0.51) kg]分为3个组,每组6个重复,每个重复8头猪。试验期28 d,分为前期(第1～14天)和后期(第15～28天)2个阶段。各组分别为：普通氧化锌组(在前期基础饲粮中添加1 600 mg/kg普通氧化锌,后期添加110 mg/kg,以锌元素计);钝化氧化锌组(在前期基础饲粮中添加1 600 mg/kg钝化氧化锌,后期添加110 mg/kg,以锌元素计);纳米氧化锌组(在前期基础饲粮中添加1 600 mg/kg纳米氧化锌,后期添加110 mg/kg,以锌元素计)。基础饲粮为玉米-豆粕型。结果表明：1)试验前期,与普通氧化锌组相比,钝化氧化锌组断奶仔猪第14天体重和平均日增重显著提高(P<0.05),料重比显著降低(P<0.05);钝化氧化锌组和纳米氧化锌组腹泻率显著降低(P<0.05)。试验全期(第1～28天),与普通氧化锌组相比,钝化氧化锌组和纳米氧化锌组断奶仔猪腹泻率显著降低...     

氮肥对苦参生长和生物总碱的效应

对苦参进行驯化栽培是解决其供需矛盾的主要途径,也是保护生态环境最有效的措施。本试验研究氮肥对苦参生长、生物总碱含量和生物总碱产量的效应。采用盆栽试验,施纯氮量设0,50,100,150和200 mg/kg五个水平,完全随机设计。结果表明,施用氮肥对苦参生长以及苦参总碱含量均有显著促进效应。各施氮处理根干重均与对照差异显著,当施纯氮150 mg/kg时根干重最高,比对照增加42％;根直径随施氮量提高呈增加趋势,当施纯氮150 mg/kg时根直径最大,比对照增加21.1％;叶绿素总含量在施纯氮100 mg/kg时最高,比对照增加33.8％;苦参总碱含量在施纯氮100 mg/kg时最高,比对照增加35.7％;单株苦参总碱产量在施纯氮150 mg/kg时最高,较对照增加90.5％。氮对根干重增加效应主要是由于根直径增加引起根体积增加所致,苦参叶片中叶绿素含量随施氮量增加有利于苦参总碱含量提高。     

不同锌源与锌水平日粮对生长期雌性水貂营养物质消化率及氮代谢的研究

本试验主要研究了不同锌源及锌水平对生长期雌性水貂营养物质消化率及氮代谢的影响。本试验采用单因子试验设计,每组12个重复,每个重复1只,Ⅰ-Ⅵ组水貂基础日粮中蛋氨酸螯合锌添加量(以锌元素计)分别为0(Ⅰ组)、15(Ⅱ组)、30(Ⅲ组)、45(Ⅳ组)、60(Ⅴ组)、75 mg/kg(Ⅵ组)、Ⅶ组水貂基础日粮中硫酸锌添加量(以锌元素计)为60 mg/kg。结果表明,冬毛生长期雌性水貂对添加蛋氨酸螯合锌水平为45 mg/kg的日粮的干物质、蛋白质和脂肪的消化率最高;不同锌源及锌水平日粮对生长期雌性水貂氮代谢的影响无显著差异。     

冬春季节补饲精料对BMY牛育肥性能的影响

[目的]冬春枯草季节,为研究在不同饲养水平下对6-9月龄BMY公牛增重性能的影响。[方法]以6-9月龄BMY公牛为育肥对象,5种育肥方式分别为：对照组全放牧不设补饲;试验1组采用放牧＋补饲1.0 kg精料;试验2组采用全舍饲（粗饲料自由采食,补饲1.0 kg/d精料）;试验3组采用全舍饲（粗饲料自由采食,补饲2.0 kg/d精料）;试验4组采用全舍饲（粗饲料自由采食,补饲3.0 kg/d精料）。[结果]表明：6-9月龄BMY公牛在冬季全放牧条件下育肥,体重不会增加反而会减少,平均日增重（ADG）为-178 g;在冬季放牧＋补饲1.0 kg精料的情况下,ADG为395 g;在舍饲＋1.0 kg精料、舍饲＋2.0 kg精料和舍饲＋3.0 kg精料的情况下,ADG分别达600 g7、28 g和1,023 g,补饲效果差异极显著（P〈0.01）,表明BMY牛在舍饲条件下生长更快,可获得更高的ADG。随着补饲日粮营养水平的提高,随着BMY牛日粮干物质采食量增加,说明补饲精料有利于粗饲料的摄入,从而增加ADG。[结论]冬春枯草季节补饲精料,无论放牧还是舍饲,6-9月龄BMY公牛均有较好的ADG,以舍饲加补饲精料的增重效果最为明显,可获得理想的经济收益。     

Concentration of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in muscle, fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing period and different feeding intensities

A growth experiment with 108 lambs (breed German Merino Landsheep) was carried out in order to examine how gender, body weight and feeding intensity affect trace element concentrations in tissues and carcass. The lambs (50% male and 50% female) were fattened at three levels of feeding intensity ('low', 'medium' and 'high' by varying daily amounts of concentrate and hay) and slaughtered at different final body weights (30, 45 or 55 kg). Six male and six female animals were sacrificed at 18 kg live weight at the beginning of the comparative slaughter experiment. The left half carcass of each animal was divided into muscle tissue, fat tissue as well as bones and sinews and analysed for the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) as well as zinc (Zn). The body weight level influenced the Zn concentrations significantly in all tissues. In addition, the Fe concentration in the fat tissue was influenced by the body weight as well as the Cu content in the bone tissue. An influence due to gender could be seen for the Zn concentration in the muscle and fat tissue and for the Fe content in the fat and bone tissue as well as for the Cu concentration in the bones. The feeding intensity affected the Cu content in the muscle and bone tissue and also the Zn content in the muscle tissue. In the present study with lambs at body weight range from 18 to 55 kg on an average, 127 mg Fe, 87 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cu as well as 1.1 mg Mn per kilogram dry matter were found in the bone tissue. In lamb muscle tissue combined from all parts (body weight range from 18 to 45 kg, both genders) the highest concentrations were for Zn and Fe [3.42 and 1.31 mg/100 g meat (wet weight basis)], while Cu remained far below these levels (0.08 mg/100 g meat and Mn was even below the detection limit of 0.025 mg/kg). Lamb muscle is a valuable source for highly available haem-Fe as well as for Zn and Cu in human nutrition.