Minimum sample preparation for the determination of ten elements in pig faeces and feeds by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry and a spectrophotometric procedure for total phosphorus

Abstract

Studies of mineral metabolism in pigs and problems of manure disposal or utilisation are complicated by interactions of trace metals and major cations. A procedure for the determination of copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and arsenic in pig faeces and feeds is described. Phosphorus is determined spectrophotometrically and the other elements by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. Sample preparation is minimised, and all elements except arsenic are determined after a single sample digestion in nitric acid-perchloric acid mixture. A separate sample digestion is necessary for arsenic. The accuracy and precision of the method were rigorously tested, and are suitable for budget studies of all eleven elements.