Mineral profile of water buffaloes under different physiological and production status in Western Maharashtra

摘要

The present study was undertaken to assess the mineral status of buffaloes in different physiological and production status in 4 districts of Western Maharashtra. Blood samples randomly collected from lactating buffaloes, non- lactating buffaloes and buffalo calves were analyzed for minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and cobalt. The mean concentration of plasma macro-minerals was within the normal range with marginal deficiency of calcium. Micro-mineral analysis revealed significant deficiency of copper, zinc and cobalt in lactating buffaloes followed by non-lactating buffaloes and least in buffalo calves. Marginal deficiency of plasma iron was observed and was non-significantly different among different physiological groups of buffaloes. The present findings indicate the significance of developing area specific mineral mixture.