Mineral status of buffaloes under farm feeding condition of Faridabad district of Haryana state

A survey was conducted during rabi season (February-April) to study the feeding practices and the mineral status of buffaloes in Faridabad district of Haryana State, India. The information on feeds and fodders being offered, feeding practices and milk yield were recorded. The biological samples viz. feeds and fodders being fed to the animals, blood, hair and milk were collected from seven sites representing the whole district. Berseem was the major green fodder and wheat straw was the major dry roughages being fed liberally alone or with mustard cake to dairy animals by most of the farmers. Sorghum stover and green oats were also being fed by some of the farmers. The dry roughages (wheat straw, sorghum stover), green fodders (berseem, oat, Cichorium), and the majority of home grown concentrates contained less than the specified level of Zn i.e 40 ppm., while all the feedstuffs tested had higher contents of Fe than the specified level of 50 ppm. All the dry and green fodders (except berseem) contained lower P than the required level, while concentrates supplied adequate P. Analysis of serum, hair and milk also indicated dietary inadequacy of Ca, Zn and Mn. Animals of this district need dietaiy supplementation of Ca, Zn and Mn in general and more particularly during lean season when green fodders are not available.