Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
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.