Trace mineral status of rambouillet crossbred sheep in shivalik hills of Jammu

A baseline survey was conducted to know the trace mineral status of Rambouillet crossbred sheep reared in Shivalik hills of Jammu division. Atotal of 81 plasma samples were collected from 16 flocks along with samples of local grasses (29), fodder tree leaves (9) and soil (53). Based on age, management adopted and agro-climatic zone, animals were grouped. The overall average values of copper, iron, zinc, manganese and cobalt in plasma samples were 24.45±0.99, 38.31±3.10, 25.81±2.83, 2.93±0.38 and 6.46±0.42 μmol/l, respectively revealing sub-clinical deficiency of copper, iron and zinc. Sheep reared under organized management system were having higher levels of copper and manganese, whereas animals reared under un-organized management system showed higher levels of iron and zinc. Based on information mineral mixture for sheep of Shivalik hills of Jammu may be developed for improving productivity.