The status of certain trace minerals in feeds and fodders in Kutch district of Gujarat

A two dimensional survey was conducted to map the distribution of relevant micro-minerals in Kutch district, by collecting feed and fodder samples at random, taking conceptual village as a unit. The average copper content was consistently low in straws (6.13 ppm) and green fodders (9.92 ppm), whereas other concentrate ingredients like bajra grain, coconut cake, cottonseed cake, guar grain and wheat bran were better source of copper (25.95 ppm). Likewise, zinc was acutely deficient in the region (< 35 ppm) and needed to be supplemented at a level of 80 ppm in the total ration. Manganese, iron and cobalt contents in the most of feeds were adequate. Molybdenum content in feeds was within the safe limit (< 1.22 ppm) and gave Cu: Mo ratio wider than 8.0. Selenium content in most of the feeds was adequate (> 1.35 ppm). From the present survey, it was apparent that the levels of manganese, iron, cobalt and selenium were found to be adequate, while copper and zinc were inadequate and needed to be supplemented.