Mineral Profiles and Metabolic Status of Animals in North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha

Feeds, fodders and serum of cows in eight villages from two districts of North Eastern Ghat (NEG) agro-climatic zone of Odisha were collected and analysed for macro and micro mineral contents and metabolic profiles of animals. Among the roughages, paddy straw was found to be deficient in calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Paddy straw contained 0.27 to 0.32% of calcium and 0.09 to 0.13% phosphorus which was lowest among all the roughages and concentrates. Compounded feed and ground nut oil seed cake had the highest calcium and phosphorus contents, respectively. The content of manganese, copper and zinc in different feeds and fodders in this zone varied from 19.16 to 55.58, 5.10 to 41.36 and 25.80 to 49.47 ppm, respectively; whereas, the iron content of the feed and fodders were above 100 ppm which is above the critical level. From the serum profile study it was found that the percentage of animals deficient in Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Cu were 68.3, 54.3, 60.4, 62.0 and 40.0, respectively; whereas only 2.5 and 13% of the animals showed less serum Fe and Mn concentration, respectively. Average serum concentration of glucose, cholesterol, protein, albumin and globulin of the animals were 43.99 mg/dl, 66.34 mg/dl, 5.75 g/dl, 2.34 g/dl and 3.42 g/dl respectively. It was recommended that supplementation minerals like Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Cu along with protein rich feeds may be given in the diets of cattle for better health and productivity.