Macro and Micro-Mineral Status of Feeds and Fodders in Kota District of Rajasthan

A survey was conducted in Kota district of Rajasthan, to record the prevalence of macro and micro-mineral deficiency in buffaloes, by collecting feed and fodder samples at random. The calcium content (0.27%) was low in concentrate ingredients, whereas, phosphorus content (0.45%) was higher. The average calcium content (0.39%) was higher in straws in comparison to phosphorus (0.11%). The magnesium content in feedstuffs was adequate, to meet the requirement of animals (0.20%). The survey area was rich in potassium content, whereas, sodium and sulphur content was consistently low in all feedstuffs and need to be supplemented in the total ration. The average copper content was low in straws (5.63 ppm) and moderate in green fodders (9.97 ppm), whereas, concentrate ingredients were better source of copper (13.80 ppm), except grains. Iron and manganese content was adequate in most feeds. Cobalt was inadequate, ranging from 0.0 to 0.85 ppm in different feed samples. Likewise, zinc showed a deficiency trend in all the feed ingredients. Molybdenum content in feeds was within the safe limit (< 0.40 ppm) and gave Cu:Mo ratio wider than 7.0. Selenium content in most feeds was adequate (> 0.30 ppm). From the present study, it can be concluded that looking into the macro and micro mineral content of various feeds and fodders in this region and the requirement of milch buffaloes yielding 7 kg milk per day, there is need to supplement calcium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, cobalt, copper and zinc through specific mineral salts, as they are deficient in the feeds and fodders offered to the animals.