Cadmium accumulation and distribution in slaughtered horse kidneys from the Argentine central region

In this paper we report the results of surveys conducted in Argentina between 1997 and 1998 to know the Cd concentrations in kidney from horses of different age, sex, and origin. Cd in renal cortex and medulla was positively correlated, and higher concentrations in the cortex were found. No significant differences between values from left and right kidneys of the same animal were found. An increase in Cd levels with age of animals were observed, and no sex incidence was verified in renal Cd composition. No detectable residues were found in the fetuses tested. Levels observed in Argentine equines (n = 102) ranged from 4.3 to 83.8 microg Cd/g in kidney cortex, lower than those reported by other authors but higher than the action levels proposed by Argentine meat tissue species regulations. Therefore, the study remarks on the convenience of monitoring Cd in Argentine equines and gives relevant information for regulatory purposes to consider the limitation in the use of horse kidney as food for either human or animals.