A Pilot Study on Macro-Mineral, Trace Element, and Heavy Metal Levels in Milk, Feed and Drinking Water from Two Dairy Farms in Edirne, Türkiye

Aim to study: The aim of this study is to determine the concentrations of some macro minerals, trace elements and heavy metals in feed, cow drinking water and milk samples collected from two dairy farms in the Edirne Province, Türkiye.Material and methods: To evaluate the levels of some elements in samples were collected from Farm 1 (Enez County) and from Farm 2 (Keşan County). The element levels in all samples were determined by using an Agilent Technologies 7700 ICP-MS.Results: The findings of this study indicated that milk samples from Farm 1 contained significantly higher levels of K (p<0.01) and Pb (p<0.001) compared to Farm 2, while the concentrations of Ni (p<0.05), As (p<0.001), Fe (p<0.05), Co (p<0.01), and Mo (p<0.01) were significantly greater in Farm 2. Mean concentrations of heavy metals in the feed and water samples were below the maximum permitted levels and safe for cow health.Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of elements, especially heavy metals, found in animal feed and water is important for animal health. In addition to milk, it may be beneficial to include organs in future studies to monitor long-term element accumulation.