Mineral Contents of Common Feed Resources and Their Status in Rations of Mehsani Buffaloes in Dantiwada Taluka of North Gujarat

Ten villages adopted by Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University were selected to study mineral profile of feedstuffs and rations offered to high yielding Mehsani buffaloes. Samples of various feeds and fodders were collected along with detailed information on feeding practices in area. Mineral contents of common feeds and fodders and diets of high yielding buffaloes under existing feeding system were studied. Green fodders and dry roughages were good sources of Ca while poor source of P. Almost all the feeds contained adequate levels of Mg. The requirement of Cu, Mn and Zn for potential production was calculated which was compared with actual availability of the minerals. The levels of Cu and Zn in diet were low while Mn was in adequate amount. To overcome deficiency of Cu and Zn, supplementation of these minerals was recommended.