Plasma Mineral Profile of Crossbred Calves Supplemented with Various Levels of Limestone Powder

The effect of dietary supplementation of limestone powder (LSP) on plasma mineral profile of crossbred calves was evaluated. Twelve growing male crossbred calves (12–16 months of age) were divided into three groups 4 each on the basis of their body weight. Group I calves (control group I; BW 230.25 kg) were fed oat fodder, wheat straw and concentrate (without LSP) as per requirements. Group II (treatment group II; BW 227.00 kg) and group III (treatment group III; BW 228.52 kg) calves were fed same ration as control group plus 5 and 10% LSP was added in the concentrate mixture of group II and group III calves, respectively. All the groups were fed ration containing 40% concentrate mixture and 60% roughage for a period of 98 days. DM intake was similar in all groups, thus showing no effect of varying levels of dietary LSP supplementation. Total body weight gain was 55.88, 53.50 and 49.78 kg in groups I, II and III, respectively showing an decrease of average daily gain per day by 4.25 and 10.92% on feeding 5 and 10% LSP in the concentrate mixture of group II and III, respectively. Plasma concentrations of Ca, P, Mg and Mn remained similar in the three groups. However, the overall mean plasma concentration of Cu and Zn was significantly (P<0.05) lower in LSP (5 and 10%) supplemented groups. Supplementation of 5 and 10% level of LSP in concentrate mixture showed adverse effect on growth performance and plasma mineral status of Cu and Zn.