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4579600 
Journal Article 
Assessment of macro and micro minerals status of milch animals for developing area specific mineral mixture for Bharatpur district of Rajasthan 
Garg, MR; Bhanderi, BM; Sherasia, PL 
2008 
0 
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
ISSN: 0972-2963 
8 
1 
53-64 
English 
WOS:000254714300006 
A study was conducted in Bharatpur district (tropical zone) of Rajasthan, to assess the prevalence of macro and micro-minerals deficiency in animals, by analyzing feed and fodder samples (n=240) at random from various locations. The calcium content (0.14%) was low in concentrate ingredients, except mustard cake (0.74%). Phosphorus content (0.45%) in concentrates was higher in comparison to roughages. The average calcium content in straws (0.34%) was higher in comparison to phosphorus (0.10%). The calcium and phosphorus content in green berseem were 1.33 and 0.31 per cent, respectively. The magnesium content in feedstuffs was adequate (0.38%) to meet the requirement of large ruminants (0.20%). The feed ingredients of the surveyed area were rich in potassium content (1.55%), whereas, sodium content was consistently low in dry roughages (0.14%) and concentrate ingredients (0.064%). The sulphur content was low in crop residues (0.13%), whereas, concentrate feed ingredients (0.18%) were better source of sulphur. Cobalt was occasionally deficient in the diet of animals. However, iron and manganese contents were adequate in the diet of animals, with traditional feeding system. The average copper content was low in straws (5.40 ppm), moderate in green fodders (9.68 ppm) and concentrate ingredients (9.87 ppm). Molybdenum content in feeds was within safe limit (average level < 1.25 ppm). Selenium content in most of the feeds and fodder samples was adequate (0.61 ppm) and its supplementation in the diet was not necessary. Zinc was acutely deficient in most of the feedstuffs (average level < 26.30 ppm) and needed to be supplemented in the ration of animals for proper productive and reproductive functions. It was apparent from the present study that the feeds and fodders available in tropical zone of Rajasthan may not meet the requirements for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, zinc, copper and cobalt in order to sustain a milk production of similar to 8kg/day. Hence, it is necessary to supplement these minerals in the ration by formulating area specific mineral mixture. 
calcium; phosphorus; copper; zinc; selenium; buffalo; tropical zone; Rajasthan