Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content of ass’s milk

Abstract - The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content of ass’s milk. Twenty four individual milk samples were collected from 4 lactating asses. During the experimental period milk samples were collected every 3 weeks interval, using a milking machine; asses were housed with the foals that were separated from the jennets 3 hours before milking. Milk was analysed for Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn content by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration mean (±SD) of Ca Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu were respectively 334.61±39.80, 58.46±8.43, 1.99±0.51, 1.15±0.52, 0.16±0.06 mg/kg. Mn was found only at trace level. Iron content of ass’s milk was the most variable ranging from 0.43 to 1.88 mg/kg. Correlation coefficients were positive and significant between Ca and Mg (r=0.63), Zn and Mg (r=0.45), Zn and Fe (r=0.49) and Zn and Cu (r=0.50). In this study, except for Fe, mean concentration of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu in ass’s milk was similar to those reported in literature for human milk