Detection of cadmium in mineral salt commercial mixtures for beef cattle.

The cadmium concentrations in mineral mixtures used in beef cattle feed in the states of São Paulo and Paraná, Brazil was measured. The cadmium concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Of the 36 analyzed samples, 35 had values > 0.5 ppm (range 0.5 to 11.2 ppm), which is the maximum concentration recommended [4, 18]. These findings show the necessity for careful industrial monitoring, as some mineral mixtures contain sufficient cadmium to cause toxicity in animals.