Trace Mineral Status of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes in Tehsil Pattoki of District Kasur, Pakistan
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The present study was undertaken with the objective to be acquainted with the copper, iron and zinc in serum of heifers, milch and dry Nili-Ravi buffaloes. The study was carried out during year 2010 in Tehsil Pattoki of District Kasur. A total of 100 sites were selected representing the whole Tehsil and from each site blood samples were collected from heifers, milch and dry Nili-Ravi buffaloes. A total of 300 blood samples were collected from 100 sites comprising of 100 samples from calves, 100 from heifers and 100 from milch buffaloes. Serum copper, iron and zinc were determined on Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean serum copper, iron and zinc concentrations vary significantly (P>0.05) among calves, heifers and milch buffaloes. Copper concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in milch buffaloes compared with calves and heifers. The serum iron concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in calves and was significantly lower (P<0.05) in milch buffaloes. The zinc concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in calves in comparison with heifers and milch buffaloes. In conclusion, the present study showed that serum mineral profile of buffaloes reflects the physiological status of the animal.
Keywords: Calve, Heifer, Milch buffalo, Copper, Iron, Zinc.