Mineral status of soil, composite fodder and dairy cattle and its interrelationship in different topographical regions of Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley

The mineral profile of soil, fodder, blood and its interrelationship an experiment was conducted in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. 125 farm families from 25 different villages from hills and plains of the district were surveyed in the experiment. Representative samples of soil, composite fodder and blood from cattle was collected, processed and analyzed for macro and micro-nutrients viz., calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron. Correlation of macro and micro-nutrients among soil, composite fodder and blood were also worked out. 12.61 per cent, 33.60 per cent, 3.20 per cent and 10.40 per cent of the soil samples were found deficient in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc respectively. The mean pooled value of phosphorus and zinc in composite fodder samples were below their critical levels, while as other mineral elements were found in adequate amounts. Analysis of blood plasma in dairy cattle indicated calcium and zinc levels below the critical concentration while as phosphorus, magnesium and iron were found in adequate levels. Comparatively higher levels of different minerals were found in soil, feed/fodder and blood samples from plain areas than the hilly areas. On the whole cattle were found marginally deficient in calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper, therefore need dietary supplementation of these minerals. It was also noted that farmers adhere to better plane of nutrition in case of productive animals (milch and pregnant cows) and dry animals (dry heifers and calves) are usually ignored and are fed only straws and variable amount of brans.