Macro-minerals in the milk of healthy and mastitic cows.

Abstract

Concentration values were obtained using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique for chlorine, potassium and calcium levels in milk from subclinical and clinical mastitis-infected cows. Concentration values for sodium were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Comparisons were made with healthy cow's milk. Subclinical mastitic milk had significantly higher levels of sodium and chlorine and significantly lower levels of potassium and calcium than the milk from healthy cows. Comparison between clinical mastitic milk revealed a significant increase in sodium and chlorine levels for clinical mastitic milk, while levels of potassium showed a non significant change and calcium levels decreased significantly.