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Research
5.
Mineral inter-relationship among soil, forage and
dairy cattle in Kashmir, India -
M. S. Bhat, M. Shaheen, R. Zaman, A. Muhee
Vet World. 2011; 4(12): 550-553
doi: 10.5455/vetworld.2011.550-553
Abstract
Samples of soil, forage and blood serum of cattle
in six villages Ganderbal district of kashmir were
collected and analysed for different macro and
micro mineral contents to establish the mineral
correlation among soil, forage and animals. The
macro and micro mineral contents in soils of
Ganderbal district were higher than their
respective critical levels except Mn. Similarly,
in forage except for zinc all the mineral values
were above critical level. The study also revealed
the serum mineral values above the critical
levels. The soil and forage (r=0.558) and forage
and serum (r=0.463) showed significant positive
correlations while, non-significant (P<0.05)
positive correlation (r=0.08) between soil and
serum for Cu was observed. The correlation for
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron and
manganese observed between soil-forage,
Forage-serum as well as soil-serum was non-sgnificant.
Based on present study, supplementation of
calcium, phosphorous, copper and zinc in the diet
of cattle under existing feeding practices in
Ganderbal district of Kashmir is imperative for
better health and productivity. However, further,
studies should elucidate the bioavailability and
strategic dietary supplementation of minerals for
livestock.
Keywords: Cattle, Forage,
Mineral, Serum, Soil.
