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.