Micronutrient profile in soil, feed, fodders and blood samples of animals in eastern and southern dry zones of Karnataka

Abstract

The micronutrient (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron) status of soil, water, feeds, fodder and blood samples of animals was studied in eastern and southern dry zones of Karnataka. Micronutrient content of soil in both the zones was above the critical level except for phosphorus (15.7 ppm) which was well below the critical level of 45-130 ppm in southern dry zone. Ca and Mg were present in higher amounts (19-23 ppm) in water in both the zones, as compared to other micronutrients which were present in trace amounts. Straw the major source of roughage in these Lones was low in m9st of the micronutrients screened but contained high levels of silica. Legumes contained higher levels of Ca (1.44-2.73%), Zn (25-165 ppm), Cu (8-25 ppm) and Fe (334-5664 ppm) compared to cultivated green fodders. Local grasses and weeds showed higher values of zinc and iron. Tree leaves/top feeds were good sources of Ca (1.38-2.02%), Zn (35-226 ppm) and Fe (792-981 ppm). Amongst the concentrate supplements oil-cakes, brans and rice polish were rich in phosphorus (0.84-3.95%). Most of the feed ingredients were good sources of magnesium. Majority of animals screened in eastern dry zone showed lower blood plasma Ca values as compared to other micronutrients. In southern dry Lone about 65 -70% of the animals screened showed low phosphorus and zinc content in blood plasma. It was eVident thar calcium in eastern dry zone and phosphorus and zinc in southern dry zone were the most limiting micronutncnts. Strategic supplementation through legumes, tree leaves, oil-cakes and brans would alleviate the deficiency of micronutrients in these zones.