Micro-minerals status in goats of different age in semi-arid region of India*

Abstract

The Present study was conducted to evaluate and compare blood zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) status of healthy female goats (210: 105 of Barbari breed and 105 of Jamunapari breed) of different ages, managed under semiintensive system at the institute farm. Blood Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly influenced by the age of goats, while blood Co concentration was significantly affected by breed of goats. In Barbari and Jamunapari goats, Zn level was 5.74 ± 0.73 and 4.26 ± 0.69 ppm, respectively, at birth which further increased to 6.03 ± 0.73 and 4.94 ± 0.69 ppm during 1 month of age. Thereafter it decreased significantly with the advancement of age up to 9–10 months of age in Barbari goats. Zn level was significantly low at pubertal age than pre-pubertal age in Barbari goats, while in Jamunapari goats, Zn level was not different in pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal ages. In these goats, Cu concentration was low at birth which increased with the advancement of age. While blood Cu concentration was not different at prepubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal ages. Blood Co concentration did not change with the advancement of age. Barbari goats have significantly higher blood Co concentration than Jamunapari goats.