Effect of feeding seaweed as mineral source on mineral metabolism, blood and milk mineral profile in cows

Abstract

Seaweeds are rich in minerals. The present experiment was designed to see the effect of replacing minerals and a part of concentrate mixture (CM) by seaweed in cows. Sahiwal cows (n = 12) were randomly blocked into three equal groups on the basis of milk yield (mean 8.39 L/day) and parity. Animals were offered concentrate mixtures along with wheat straw and green oat as total mixed ration (CM and roughages as 50:50; green oat and wheat straw as 60:40) for 126 days. Control animals (T1) were offered CM without mineral and salt premix; group T2 animals had 2 % mineral premix and 1 % salt in their CM while seaweed group (T3) had 20 % seaweed in their CM without additional mineral and salt. The results revealed no significant changes in plasma mineral profile and mineral metabolism except that of copper and zinc (P < 0.01) in the groups without mineral and salt (T1, T3). Milk mineral profile remained similar in all treatment groups except milk phosphorus, copper and zinc which were highest in T2 followed by T1 and T3. A clear trend was reflected in mineral metabolism and its status in blood and milk corresponding to that of dietary mineral composition. Thus, incorporation of brown seaweed in the diet of lactating Sahiwal cows (20 % in concentrate mixture) did not affect mineral metabolism and blood–milk mineral profiles, except copper and zinc; which need to be additionally supplemented in the diet.