Micro Nutrient Profile of Buffaloes in Semi Arid Eastern Plane of Rajasthan

Semi arid eastern plain (zone III A) of Rajasthan was surveyed to assess the mineral status of feeds and fodders and also in lactating buffaloes. Average Ca concentration in crop residues was adequate, but these were low in P. Grains were relatively poor source of calcium but rich in phosphorus. P content of cottonseed, cottonseed cake and mustard cake was 0.82±0.02, 0.79±0.04 and 1.13±1.10 percent respectively. Mn content in most of the feed stuffs, except in grains and some cakes, was above the critical level (40 ppm). Among the feeds, moth chara was having highest Mn content (166±9.7 ppm). Iron content in feeds and fodders was adequate as in semi arid region of Rajasthan, whereas the concentrations of Zn and Cu were lower in most of the crop residues. Concentrates were good source of Zn and Cu except grains, which were deficient in Cu. In milch buffaloes, mean serum Ca (8.21±0.27 ppm) and P (3.89±0.21 ppm) concentrations were lower than normal levels, whereas Zn (1.09±0.21 ppm) and Cu (0.76±0.11 ppm) concentrations were towards lower side of normal critical range. The values for serum Mn and Fe were 3.13±0.10 and 0.55±0.02 ppm, respectively. It was concluded that ration of lactating buffaloes should supplemented with calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc.