The aim of the study was to determine and compare calcium and phosphorus content in pedal mass, visceral mass and shell of wild and bred trial groups’ snails (Helix pomatia). The trial was performed from May to September of 2011 at the Roman Snail Research Facility of the Research Institute of Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine „Sigra”, of Latvia University of Agriculture (LLU). Snails were divided in 4 trial groups depending on the diets. Samples were collected from the local natural population of snails and experimental breeding farm in spring (May), summer (July) and autumn (September). Significant differences (p is less than 0.05) were found between the levels of the calcium and phosphorus content in the edible part (pedal mass) and visceral mass in wild snails and experimental trial groups.

Human milk provides infant with the required nutrients for growth and development. The aim of preliminary study was to determine macro- and micronutrients content in mature human milk among lactating women residing in Latvia and dietary habits affecting it. The study was carried out from November 2016 to February 2017. In total, 24 pooled diurnal milk samples were collected from mothers whose infants had reached the age of at least two months. Personal information of each participant was recorded, including mother’s age, weight and height parameters, sex and age of an infant, parity, breastfeeding pattern, milk expression method used for sampling. Eating habits were obtained using Monthly Food Frequency Questionnaire. Analysed elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS Agilent 7700x, Japan). Concentrations ranged from 227.52 to 398.34 mg LE-1 for calcium, 58.56 – 256.38 mg LE-1 for sodium, 445.33 – 736.71 mg LE-1 for potassium, 25.73 – 49.52 mg LE-1 for magnesium, till 3.17 mg LE-1 for iron, 0.28 – 2.77 mg LE-1 for zinc, 0.06 – 0.43 mg LE-1 for copper, 2.00 – 44.00 µg LE-1 for manganese, 1.00 –10.00 µg LE-1 for chrome which is comparable to data obtained from other studies although chrome and manganese concentration was even higher than observed in literature. Cobalt and selenium content was below detection limit. Zinc content in human milk negatively correlated with baby’s age (p is less than 0.05). The content of majority of essential minerals in human milk was affected by mother’s dietary habits; however, more samples need to be analysed for representative conclusions.

The mean content of minerals in grains varies significantly among different parts of the world as it depends on the type of grain growing conditions and fertilizer application. In this study, the content of minerals in the wheat, oat and barley grains of the crop of the year 2006 from different regions of Latvia were investigated. The grain samples were analysed for K, Mg, Ca, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn using Atomic Absorbtion Spectrometer, and for P using spectrophotometer. Phosphorus content in different types of grains varied from 3.10 to 5.65 g kgE-1, potassium - from 4.37 to 6.10 g kgE-1, calcium - from 0.40 to 1.40 g kgE-1, magnesium - from 1.20 to 1.68 g kgE-1, manganese – from 14.50 to 55.54 g kgE-1, copper - from 3.35 to 6.01 g kgE-1, zinc - from 18.72 to 31.84 g kgE-1, iron - from 42.39 to 120.40 g kgE-1, and sodium - from 32.34 to 55.52 g kgE-1. The greatest difference was found between the content of manganese and iron in barley, wheat and oat grains, but small difference was between the mean content of P, K, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Na.

The purpose of this study to compare milk calcium and phosphorus content of different breeds raised in Estonia. Based on obtained results, different factors and their magnitude of influence on the contents of calcium and phosphorus in milk were studied. On Polula Research Farm five trial groups were made up: Estonian Holstein breed (breeding value 115) (EHF-t), Estonian Holstein breed (breeding value 105...115) (EHF), Red-and-White Holstein breed (RHF), Estonian Red breed (EPK) and Estonian Native breed (EK). Milk samples were collected from five of each trial group twice a month during the year 2001. Calcium and phosphorus contents were determined by using IDF methods 36A:1992 and 42B:1990 in Dairy Laboratory of the Institute of Animal Science.