Fifteen crossbred calves (Bos tarus x Bos indicus) of an initial body weight of 226 kg were used to determine effect of zinc level and source on blood haemato-biochemical profile. Treatments were: control (32.5 ppm Zn/kg DM) and control diet supplemented with 35 ppm of Zn/kg DM as either zinc sulphate (ZS) or zinc propionate (ZP). Calves were individually fed on a concentrate and wheat straw based diet for a period of 180 days. Blood sample was collected at monthly interval. Blood haemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma glucose, serum total protein, globulin and urea were similar in three treatment groups. However, serum albumin concentration was significantly higher in Zn supplemented groups irrespective of Zn source. Concluded that basal diet containing 33 ppm Zn seems to be adequate in maintaining normal blood haematobiochemical profile in crossbred calves.
Zinc, Zinc sulphate, Zinc propionate, Haemato-biochemical profile, Calves
