Mineral profile of feeds, fodders and blood plasma of dairy animals in KVK adopted villages of Rangareddy district in Andhra Pradesh.

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the mineral profile of feeds, fodders and blood plasma of dairy animals in KVK (Krishi Vignana Kendhra) adopted three villages (Tallaplli, Bobbiligam and Muddemguda) in Shabad mandal, Ranga Reddy district. Fifteen farmers from each village were randomly selected for collection of information on available feeds and fodder and feeding practices followed in cattle and buffaloes. Samples of green and dry fodder, concentrate ingredients, home made and commercial concentrate mixtures were collected randomly (n=15) from farmers in each village. Similarly blood samples from different categories of livestock were also collected. The dry and green fodders on average were deficient to excess in Ca, adequate in Mg, Co, optimum in Mn and excess in Fe content, while deficient in Cu and P. The dry roughages were deficient in Zn, while greens were adequate. The brans were rich in P, Fe, Mn and Co content, moderate in Cu, Zn and Mg. Concentration of Ca, P and Zn were low in blood plasma of grazing animals. Hence, there is a need to supplement specific mineral mixture to mitigate the deficiencies in dairy animals.