Cadmium concentrations in the liver of 10 different pig genetic lines from Vojvodina, Serbia

Abstract

Cadmium concentrations were determined in 480 liver samples from 10 different pig genetic lines produced in Vojvodina (Serbia). Cadmium levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralization by dry ashing. The difference in cadmium levels in analysed liver tissues was not significant (p > 0.05) between the various genetic lines. However, large variations in cadmium levels (from 0.03 to 0.27 mg/kg) in liver tissues indicated its availability in the local agricultural environment in Vojvodina. The average level of cadmium (0.13 mg/kg) was higher than the levels reported in pork liver from some developed countries.

Keywords:

• meat
• heavy metals, cadmium

Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia, project TR31032. These results are part of project No 114-451-2091/2011 (Improvement of meat quality from indigenous and modern pig breeds produced in Vojvodina for the production of traditional dry fermented sausages and dry cured meat products), which is financially supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Science and Technological Development, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia.