The present study was planned to determine serum trace-mineral status (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt) in 20 anoestrus Sahiwal cows and heifers. Serum status of these minerals was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean serum concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt were 2.47 ± 1.35, 0.52 ± 0.16, 3.69 ± 2.57, 0.18 ± 0.09 and 0.56 ± 0.22ppm, respectively. Compared with normal range of these trace elements in healthy animals the level of copper was on a border way to show the signs of clinical deficiency symptoms, while the levels of other elements was in quite safe range to encounter any problem. It was concluded that deficiency of copper, could be responsible for anoestrus condition in these animals. Thus, to overcome the deficiency, strategic dietary supplementation of copper with better bioavailability could be a suitable approach.
Sahiwal, Cows, Heifers, Anoestrus, Serum, Trace elements
