Mineral status of fodders offered to dairy animals in Mansa and Fazilka districts of Punjab

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess mineral contents of fodder crops offered to dairy animals in the semi-arid South-West region of Punjab in India. A random survey was conducted in Mansa and Fazilka districts of the region and green and dry fodders offered to the dairy animals were collected and analyzed for various essential minerals. Considering the dietary requirements for dairy animals, low levels of Ca, P, Cu, Zn, Co and excess of Mo was observed in 16.2, 18.2, 54.7, 21.7, 17.4 and 35.9% green fodder samples. The Mg, Na, K and Mn contents of green fodders were adequate for animal needs. Dry fodders were found to be very poor source of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Zn and Mn and had excess of Mo. Season of the year had significant (P<0.05) influence on Ca, Mo and Mn concentrations of the green fodder. The Ca levels were higher in winter, and the Mo and Mn levels were higher in the summer season. The widespread deficiency of minerals in the fodders along with abnormal ratio of some of the essential minerals may result in occurrence of minerals deficiency diseases in dairy animals of this region.