Effect of Mineral Supplementation on Serum Calcium and Phosphorus levels in Pre and Post-Partum Marathwadi Buffaloes

The study evaluated effect of mineral supplementation on serum calcium and phosphorus level in 14 Marathwadi advance pregnant buffaloes in rural India. Group-I comprised of animals with lower than normal Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorous (P) levels and Group-II were animals with normal serum Ca and P levels. Seven buffaloes were enrolled under each treatment group. The buffaloes in group-I were provided with mineral supplement before and after 7 day of parturition. The average blood serum calcium levels before seven days of parturition, at time of parturition and after seven days of parturition was (8.85±0.27, 10.14± 0.64), (10.92±0.38, 8.06±0.60) and (11.40±1.35, 9.59±0.51) mg/dl in group I and II respectively. However, similar average blood serum phosphorus was (4.90±0.27, 5.79±0.08) (5.50±0.17, 4.79±0.25) and (5.89±0.14, 5.70±0.23) mg/dl in group I and II respectively. The serum calcium levels 7 days before and after parturition were non-significant. However, at parturition these levels were found significant between groups. The serum phosphorus levels were non-significant after 7 days of parturition. However, before 7 days of parturition and during parturition these levels were found significant (P<0.01) between groups. It was concluded that rise in serum calcium and phosphorus at parturition and 1 week later of post parturient period after given prepartum dietary mineral supplementation. Due to pre-partum dietary mineral supplementation there was no any incidence of calving disorders in treatment group.