Influence of Mineral Supplementation on Water Metabolism in Karan Fries Calves

Fifteen Karan Fries calves fed on maize fodder plus concentrate mixture were randomly divided into three groups to study the effect of mineral supplementation on water metabolism. Animals of group 1 received a concentrate mixture devoid of mineral supplementation; those of group 2 received the concentrate supplemented with major minerals (Ca, P, Mg and NaCl). The mineral supplement in group 3 was enriched with trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, I and F). The water intake through feeds was not much variable in the three groups, but water drunk was apparently higher in group 2 (171.09 ml/kg W^0.75) as compared to other groups (98.97 and 105.31 ml/kg W^0.75). This coincided with higher water loss through urine in group 2 (159.44 Vs 112.95 and 95.32 ml/kg W^0.7S) The results were suggestive of an ameliorative influence of trace minerals supplementation on increased water due to major minerals including common salt.