Effect of Inorganic Vanadium Supplementation on Mineral Balance and Plasma Minerals in Karan Fries Calves

Abstract

To study the influence of vanadium (V) supplementation on mineral balance and plasma minerals, 24 male Karan fries calves of 3-6 month age and 72.85 kg mean body weight were selected and divided into four groups of 6 animals in each group. Calves in control group were fed a ration consisting of concentrate mixture, green fodder and wheat straw to meet their nutrient requirement (ICAR, 2013). Calves in treatment groups were additionally supplemented with 3, 6 and 9 ppm V in T1, T2 and T3 groups respectively. Experimental period was done for 165 days during which blood samples were collected at monthly intervals to study the effect of V supplementation on the plasma V, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu concentration. Seven days metabolic trial was conducted at  7^th fortnight of the experimental period to study the effect of V supplementation on retention of V, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu. V supplementation improved the retention of vanadium, calcium, iron, copper and zinc (P<0.05) but had no effect on P and Mg in Karan fries calves. Plasma Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu level were similar among four groups but Plasma V level increased in supplemented groups. Hence, supplementation up to 9 ppm increased retention of Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn.