Effect of inorganic vanadium supplementation on mineral balances and their circulatory levels in karan fries calves

Twenty four male Karan Fries calves of similar age (3–6 month) and body weight (72.85 kg) were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each to study the influence of different levels of vanadium (V) supplementation on mineral balances and plasma mineral levels. Calves in control group were fed a ration consisting of concentrate mixture, green fodder and wheat straw to meet their nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013). Calves in treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ were supplemented with 3, 6 and 9 ppm V (DM basis), respectively. During experimental period of 165 days, blood samples were collected at monthly intervals to study the effect of V supplementation on plasma V, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu concentration. Seven days metabolic trial was conducted at 7^th fortnight of the experimental period to study the effect of V supplementation on retention of V, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu. Vanadium supplementation improved retention V, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn (P<0.05) but had no effect on retention of P and Mg. Plasma Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu levels were similar in 4 groups but plasma V level increased in supplemented groups. Hence, supplementation of V upto 9 ppm in the ration increased retention of Ca, V, Fe, Cu, Zn in Karan Fries calves.