Mineral constituents of harp seal milk

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Abstract
Milk samples were collected from stomachs of 20 harp seal pups (P. groenlandica) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Milk was analyzed for ash content, 14 minerals and for changes in mineral composition associated with maternal age and stage of lactation. Ash content was 0.61 .+-. 0.09 (.hivin.X .+-. 1 SD) g/100 whole milk, similar to values previously published for harp seals and other pinnipeds. Cd, previously unreported in pinniped milk, comprised 0.002 .+-. 0.001% ash; N was not detected. Of the remaining 12 minerals, only C appeared to change significantly through lactation, increasing from .apprx. 12.9-17.8% ash in 10 days. Maternal age had no significant effect on mineral composition of harp seal milk.