An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of organic and inorganic forms of trace minerals at different supplementary levels on DMI and blood biochemical profile of crossbred male calves. Twenty cross-bred male calves (6–9 months) were randomly distributed into 5 groups viz., C (Control), T1, T2, T3 and T4 (n=4 in each group). Inorganic trace minerals viz., copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were fed at 200% of the requirements in T1 group and proteinate chelates of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn were supplemented at 100%, 50% and 25% of the requirements in T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively. In the control group, the said trace mineral requirements were met through inorganic salts of these elements. The trial was conducted for 150 days. The results revealed that supplementation of proteinate and inorganic trace minerals at different dose levels to male calves had no effect on DMI. Supplementation of proteinate and inorganic trace minerals at different dose level had no effect on plasma aspartate, amino transaminase, aspartate, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase, plasma proteins (total protein, albumin, globulin and A:G Ratio), haemoglobin, cholesterol and triglyceride concentration. It was concluded that supplementation of trace elements at different dose levels had no effect on DM intake and plasma biochemical profiles of male calves. Though, supplementation of proteinate trace minerals to male calves did not alter plasma major mineral (Ca, P and Mg) profile but increased plasma Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe after completion of trial.
Male calves, Dry matter intake, Inorganic trace mineral, Proteinate trace element, Blood biochemical profile
