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An assessment of accumulation of Cd, Cr, Gu, Ni and Zn in the tissues of British Friesian steers fed on the products of land which has received heavy applications of sewage sludge

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

H. L. Rundle
Affiliation:
Seern–Trent Water Authority, Lower Trent Division, Nottingham
Marian Calcroft
Affiliation:
Seern–Trent Water Authority, Lower Trent Division, Nottingham
C. Holt
Affiliation:
Seern–Trent Water Authority, Lower Trent Division, Nottingham

Summary

Fifteen British Friesian steers were reared using grain and forages which had been grown on land which has had a long history of use for disposal of sewage sludges. The food consumption was recorded and samples of feedingstuffs analysed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. The various components used in compounding the feedingstuffs were also analysed. After about 13 months the animals were slaughtered and samples of various organs and tissues obtained for analysis.

The majority of the Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn came from sources other than uptake into plants. The largest single contributor was the high phosphate mineral supplement. No animal health problem due to the feed regime was encountered. Concentrations of cadmium in liver and kidney were slightly higher than average. Muscle cadmium concentrations of Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn were within the range of published values.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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