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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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Measuring Liver Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption and Proton Leak Kinetics to Estimate Mitochondrial Respiration in Holstein Dairy Cattle
Published on: November 30, 2018
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Variation in trace element content between liver lobes in cattle. How important is the sampling site?
Diego Luna1, Marta Miranda2, Víctor Pereira3
1Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
Summary
Trace element distribution in cattle liver varies by lobe, with the left lobe showing the highest concentrations and the caudate lobe the lowest. A single liver sample from specific regions can accurately assess overall trace element status.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Accurate assessment of trace element status in cattle is crucial for animal health and productivity.
- Understanding lobular distribution patterns of trace elements in the liver is essential for optimizing sampling strategies.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the specific lobular distribution of various trace elements in cattle liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lobular distribution pattern of trace elements within the bovine liver.
- To identify specific liver regions suitable for accurate estimation of whole-organ trace element content.
- To investigate potential factors influencing trace element distribution, such as oxygen perfusion.
Main Methods:
- Liver samples were collected from three groups of cattle (Holstein-Friesian, Galician Blond, and crosses) at 10 months of age.
- Samples were obtained from six distinct liver regions: right lobe (internal and external faces), left lobe, caudate lobe, quadrate lobe, and processus papillaris.
- Trace element concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after acid digestion.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in trace element distribution were observed across liver lobes, excluding cobalt and zinc.
- The left lobe consistently showed the highest trace element concentrations, while the caudate lobe exhibited the lowest.
- Trace element concentrations in the right lobe (internal and external faces), quadrate lobe, and processus papillaris showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- A single liver sample from specific anatomical regions (excluding the caudate and left lobes) is sufficient for determining the overall trace element status in cattle.
- The observed distribution patterns may be linked to differences in hepatic oxygen perfusion.
- The left lobe's high accumulation capacity for trace elements is primarily evident under high exposure conditions.
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