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Abstract: Paired liver and kidney samples from 100 free-range cattle in different parts of Jamaica were analyzed for essential and non-essential trace elements. We found significant enrichment of elements in the kidney (K) compared to the liver (L) with the K/L concentration ratios being 5.2 for Cd, 4.1 for Pb, 3.5 for Se and 2.1 for As, but the Cu contents of the kidney were significantly higher with the K/L ratio of 0.45. A large number of kidney and liver samples showed Cu concentrations in the ranges that were associated with deficiency effects in mammals. About 15% of the hepatic samples had Zn concentrations below 20μg/g, suggesting that there might be zinc insufficiency in some of the animals. Positive associations were found between the metals in both the kidney and liver. On average, the intake of Cd from consumption of both bovine kidney and liver from the island was estimated to be 5.2μg/day, equivalent to about 7% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), although anyone who habitually consumed the few kidneys or livers with >40μg/g cadmium may be at some risk of exceeding the PTDI. The consumption of offal from local animals did not appear to be an important dietary source of any of the essential microelements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Infertility is a widespread problem among cattle herds in Jamaica and an intergovernmental project was initiated to investigate the problem. One aspect of the project included diagnosis of campylobacteriosis (vibriosis), which was suspected in some herds but had not been confirmed in the laboratory. Tests were undertaken in late 1978 using improved techniques for handling and transporting specimens to the laboratory. Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus was isolated from five of six herds tested. The diagnosis of C. fetus infection has led to improvements in farm management and a better appreciation of more efficient artificial insemination and veterinary services.