Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology Laboratory, National Dairy Development Board, Anand-388 001, India.
*Reprint request: Dr. M.R. Garg, Tel: +91-2692-26245; Fax: +91-2692-60158; E-mail: mrgarg@nddb.coop.
A study was undertaken to assess the micro-mineral status of feeds and fodders in Dahod and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat, for formulation of an appropriate area specific mineral mixture. The average copper content was unduly low in straws (4.54 ppm) and green fodders (6.31 ppm), whereas concentrate ingredients werebetter sources of copper (16.78 ppm), except grains (5.13 ppm). Likewise, zinc was acutely deficient in the surveyed area (average levels < 24.0 ppm) and needed to be supplemented at a level of 80 ppm in the total ration for optimum metabolic functions. Manganese was occasionally deficient in diet of animals, however, iron and cobalt levels in most of feeds were adequate with traditional feeding systems. Molybdenum content in feeds was within the safe limit (average levels < 1.0 ppm) and gave Cu:Mo ratio wider than 3.0. Selenium content in most of the feedstuffs was adequate and its supplementation in the diet was not necessary. From the present survey, it was apparent that the levels of certain microminerals such as copper, zinc and occasionally manganese were deficient. However, the levels of some other mineral elements such as iron, cobalt and selenium were found to be adequate in the surveyed area.
Zinc, Cobalt, Iron, Copper-molybdenum ratio, Feed, Fodder
