Distribution of some Major and Trace Elements in Soil, Feed, Fodder and Livestock in Red Laterite Zone of West Bengal

A survey was conducted in parts of red laterite agro-climatic zone of West Bengal to ascertain the pattern of distribution of some major (Ca and P) and trace (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) elements in feeds, fodder and grazing livestock of the area. Maize grain was deficient in Ca (0.22±0.01%), Cu (6.3±0.05 ppm), Zn (29.9±1.43 ppm) and Mn (15.4±1.17 ppm). Severe Ca and P deficiency was observed in paddy straw (0.15±0.01% and 0.04±0.003% respectively). Ca and P concentration were higher (P<0.05) in the plasma of calves (12.7±0.20 mg dl⁻¹ and 6.7±0.16 mg dl⁻¹ respectively) and heifers (11.2±0.30 mg dl⁻¹ and 5.8±0.12 mg dl⁻¹ respectively) compared to the lactating and dry pregnant animals. None of the plasma samples were found deficient in Fe. Plasma Zn was highest in calves and lowest in lactating animals. Calves were deficient in Mn (0.14±0.02 µ. g ml⁻¹). Plasma Cu was lowest in calves (0.66±4.05 µ g ml⁻¹ and highest in lactating animals (1.59±0.05µ g ml⁻¹. Little difference could be observed between cattle and buffaloes when plasma concentrations of Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu were concerned though plasma P and Mn were higher (P<0.05) in cattle than that in buffaloes. Liver Cu indicates deficiency in both cattle (43.4±0.61 ppm) and buffaloes (48.3±0.61 ppm). No such deficiency could be observed for other trace elements. It has been concluded that moderate to severe mineral deficiencies are likely to occur in this agro-climatic zone and supplementation of diet with region specific mineral elements may help in augmenting the productivity of grazing livestock.