Evaluation of feeding practices and certain minerals status of lactating buffaloes in coastal zone of western India

Abstract

To evaluate the nutritional status of buffaloes (n=31), samples of feeds, fodder and blood serum were analyzed for proximate and certain mineral contents collected from the selected villages of coastal zone (Porbandar district) of western (Gujarat state) India. Average intakes of protein and metabolizable energy were 101 and 111% of requirement, respectively. Calcium (Ca) content ranged from 0.22 to 1.74% in roughages, as compared to 0.02 to 0.19% in concentrates. Average phosphorus (P) content in concentrates (0.42%) was almost three times higher than that of roughages (0.14%). Copper (Cu) level was recorded low in most of the feed resources. Straws of jowar (Sorghum bicolor) (8.11 ppm), wheat (Triticum aestivum) (5.71 ppm) and bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) (9.82 ppm) were found low in zinc (Zn). Manganese (Mn) content in feeds and fodder ranged from 9.65 to 73.0 ppm. Average blood serum levels of Cu, Zn and Mn in buffaloes were 0.63, 0.79 and 0.05 ppm, respectively. As compared to critical level of Cu (0.65 ppm) and Zn (0.80 ppm) in blood serum, more than 60% of the animals screened showed low Cu and Zn status. Based on the calculated intakes of protein, energy, Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mn from various feed resources, suggestions for correcting supply of protein and energy, and extent of supplementation required through area specific mineral mixture, for obviating deficiency in the ration of buffaloes were given to the farmers of Porbandar district.