Plasma micro mineral status of dairy animals in relation to soil- plant-mineral status

Abstract

The study was conducted in Bathinda district of Punjab to assess the micro mineral profile i.e. Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo, I and F of the dairy animals and in relationship to soil and plants. Based on plasma analysis a high incidence of sub-clinical deficiencies of Cu and Zn was observed in both cattle and buffaloes. However, the plasma Mo level was within the safe limit, and the incidence of molybdenosis was very low. Incidence of fluorosis in both cattle and buffaloes were found to be high and high fluoride levels were also observed in water samples. Mean values of Mn, Cu and Zn in the fodder samples were lower than the dietary requirement. Soil samples revealed deficiency of Mn and Fe. Based on the findings it was concluded that mineral mixture supplementation is required in these areas to prevent sub- clinical deficiencies of various micro minerals and to maintain the proper production status of dairy animals. The variation observed in the concentration of mineral elements in forages and soil samples could be due to number of factors including soil pH, plant species, stages of maturity, yield, climate and protein content of forage, which needs further study to understand the main factor causing such variation.