Assessment of Adequacy of Macro and Micro-Mineral Content of Feedstuffs for Dairy Animals in Semi-Arid Zone of Rajasthan

A study was carried out to assess macro and micro-minerals status of dairy animals in semi arid zone (Udaipur district) of Rajasthan, by analyzing feed and fodder samples. The average Ca content in straws (0.45%) was higher, whereas, concentrate ingredients were particularly low in Ca (0.23%), except sesame cake. The P content in crop residues (0.10%) and green fodders (0.30%) was lower in comparison to concentrate ingredients (0.57%). The Mg content of feeds and fodder was adequate (0.29%) to meet the requirement of animals (0.20%). The Na content was lower in concentrate ingredients (0.02%) and dry fodder (0.088%) than in green fodder (0.53%). The area under survey was found to be rich in K content (1.41%). The S content was adequate in concentrate ingredients (0.28%), whereas, crop residues were deficient in S (0.12%). Cobalt was occasionally deficient in the diet of animals, however, Fe level in most of the feed ingredients was adequate (average level>350 ppm). Manganese was deficient in concentrate ingredients (29.90 ppm) compared to crop residues and green forages (58.0 ppm). The average Cu content was low in straws (5.92 ppm) and moderate in green fodders (11.65 ppm), whereas, concentrate ingredients were better source of Cu (19.80 ppm), except grains. Molybdenum content in feeds was within safe limit (average level<0.77 ppm) exhibiting a Cu:Mo ratio wider than 5.0. Selenium content in most of the feeds and fodder samples was adequate (0.40ppm). Zinc was acutely deficient in most of the feedstuffs (average level<34.0 ppm). From the present study, it was apparent that the levels of certain minerals such as Ca, P, Na, S, Zn, Cu, Mn and Co were inadequate and much below the requirement of a buffalo yielding 8 kg milk (7% fat) per day.