The Correlation of Potassium Content and Moisture in Bovine Liver Samples Analyzed for Trace Mineral Concentrations
2008
Ludwick, Taylor P. | Poppenga, Robert H. | Green, Peter G. | Puschner, Birgit | Melton, Larry A. | Hoar, Bruce R. | Nyberg, Nicole L. | Maas, John
Beef cattle in the United States are often found to be deficient in essential trace minerals such as copper and zinc. Established reference ranges for mineral concentrations exist and usually designate a concentration as adequate, marginal, deficient, or excessive. This research investigates a new method of interpreting detected elemental concentrations in bovine liver that will add confidence to the final diagnosis. This is based on the hypothesis that a correlation exists between potassium concentration and moisture in a bovine liver sample. This relationship between potassium and moisture content enables the diagnostician to more accurately predict mineral concentrations and wet weight regardless of sample moisture loss. Correlations were found between potassium content and percentage of moisture in experimental samples, clinical biopsies, and a validation study, to a statistical significance of P < 0.001. Experimental samples had a correlation coefficient of R² = 0.95 and the mathematical relationship y = 2513.2x ⁻¹.⁰⁶⁶². Clinical biopsies had a correlation of R ³ = 0.83 and the mathematical relationship y = 2203.4x ⁻⁰.⁹⁹¹. The validation study had a correlation of R² = 0.55 and a mathematical relationship y = 2321.4x ⁻⁰.⁹⁵². An exponent of −1 is predicted by conservation of potassium mass. These findings have practical significance in maintaining and improving cattle growth, health, reproduction, and food safety.
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