Short Communication

The molybdenum content in the muscles of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Michał Skibniewski, Ewa M. Skibniewska, Tadeusz Kośla, Marta Kołnierzak

Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Poland

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(2), 2015, 175‒182

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the molybdenum concentrations in the muscles of red deer hunted in north-eastern Poland. Samples for analysis were collected from 27 females, and metal concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. The resulting data were analyzed for both benefits and potential risks in terms of consumer health. The average concentration of Mo in the muscles was 0.042 ±0.007 mg · kg^–1 wet weight. The results obtained were similar to those observed in other species of free-living ruminants and much lower than those found in farmed ruminants. Based on the results of the study, it can be stated that meat of the red deer is not a good source of molybdenum in terms of human nutritional demands. However, it can be treated as an additional source of this micronutrient.

Keywords: red deer (Cervus elaphus), muscles, molybdenum