Journal of Animal Health and Production

Research Article
J. Anim. Health Prod. 1 (3): 24 - 28
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Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo1*, Umesh Dimri2, Mahesh Chandra Sharma3
1, 2Division of Medicine, IVRI, Izatnagar, Barielly, U.P.-243122, 3ICAR, HQ New Delhi-110114
*Corresponding author: iqbalyatoo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of micro mineral deficiency in soil, fodder and cattle of Kashmir valley. For this purpose 200 soil samples, 232 fodder samples and 136 serum samples from cattle were collected from three districts of Kashmir valley viz. Budgam, Pulwama and Srinagar. Micro mineral estimation was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in Clinical Medicine Laboratory at IVRI. Overall prevalence of copper, iron, zinc and cobalt deficiency in soil was 23.50%, 14.50%, 38.00% and 24.00% respectively. Mean prevalence of copper, iron, zinc and cobalt deficiency in fodder was 24.13%, 17.67%, 34.05% and 24.13% respectively. Mean prevalence of copper, iron, zinc and cobalt deficiency in cattle was 34.55%, 16.17%, 38.97% and 24.26% respectively. Among cattle, calves showed higher copper (46.42%) deficiency whereas pregnant cattle showed higher zinc (44.73%) and cobalt (31.57%) deficiency. Iron deficiency was lower in all groups (16.17%). From this study it can be concluded that the cattle of Kashmir valley are predisposed to mineral deficiency. Hence supplementation of cattle with mineral supplements is imperative under prevailing feeding systems.

Key Words: micromineral, prevalence, cattle, Kashmir