Effect of trace mineral supplementation on growth rate, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile and tissue chemical composition of male kids

Effect of trace mineral supplementation on body weight gain, blood biochemical profile, nutrient utilization and chemical composition of tissues of kids was studied. Ten Barbari male kids weighing 8.05±0.41 kg were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). G1 served as control with 1% common salt in concentrate mixture whereas in G2 trace minerals viz. Cu, Zn, Mn and I were added to common salt. The dietary concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and I were 48.95, 15.64, 736.28, 17.01 and 0.00 ppm in G1 and 91.80, 21.39, 736.83, 34.59 and 0.43 in G2, respectively. The supplementation of trace mineral premix resulted in similar (P > 0.05) growth rate and significantly (P < 0.01) more DMI than control. The digestibility coefficients (%) and DCP and TDN intakes were also similar (P > 0.05) in both the groups. Blood biochemical profile of total protein, albumin, globulins, urea, creatinine, enzymes viz. aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were similar (P > 0.05) in both the groups whereas significant rise (P < 0.05) in alanine transaminase was noted in G2. The total volatile fatty acid concentration and individual fatty acids were also similar (P > 0.05) in both the groups. Supplementation of trace mineral premix resulted in significant (P < 0.01) increase in liver copper contents (40.03 ± 4.61 ppm in control vs 187.65 ± 24.78 ppm in supplemented group). It was concluded that added trace elements in the salt premix did not improve weight gain, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical profile and composition of muscle and tissues excepting liver copper contents indicating trace mineral contents of basal ration was adequate.