Macro and Micro mineral status of dairy animals in Hilly Zone of Kerala

A study was conducted in the hilly zone of Kerala, to assess the status of certain macro and microminerals in dairy animals, by analyzing feed and fodder samples. Paddy straw was major dry roughage available for feeding dairy animals and found to be low in Ca (0.11%), P (0.09%), S (0.11%), Cu (1.79 ppm) and Zn (11.69 ppm). Amongst green fodders, mainly local grasses and hybrid napier were available and found to be good sources of Ca (0.43%), Mg (0.34%), Cu (13.83 ppm), Mn (74.52 ppm) and Fe (1379 ppm). Azolla was subsidiary green fodder grown in stagnant water by the farmers and found to be a good source of various minerals. The feeds and fodder were found to be rich in K content (1.83%) and Fe (192–3600 ppm). Groundnut cake and copra extraction were major concentrate supplements in the surveyed area. Groundnut cake, copra extraction, rice bran and wheat bran were good sources of P (0.57–1.13%), Mg (0.25–0.45%), S (0.24–0.33%), Cu (17.82–41.22 ppm), Zn (38.40–84.12 ppm) and Mn (44.51–174.5 ppm). The Na content was lower in concentrate ingredients (0.014%) and roughages (0.06%). Se content in feeds and fodder was adequate (0.18–0.83 ppm), however, Co was found to be marginally deficient in feedstuffs (0.10–1.19 ppm). From the present study, it was apparent that in view of the feeding practices followed in the survey area, levels of certain minerals such as Ca, P, S, Zn, Cu and Co were inadequate and much below the requirement of animals yielding 8–11 kg milk (4% fat) per day. Supplementation of area specific mineral mixture with highly bio-available mineral salts could be a cost effective method to improve productive life and productivity of animals in the zone.