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Minerals Status of Soil, Fodder and in Lactating Nili-Ravi Buffaloes in

Irrigated Agro-ecological Zone of Punjab, Pakistan

Conference Paper  in  Buffalo Bulletin · January 2013

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Buffalo Bulletin 2013 Vol.32 (Special Issue 2): 824-828

Minerals Status of Soil, Fodder and in Lactating Nili-Ravi Buffaloes in Irrigated

Agro-ecological Zone of Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Saleem AKHTAR*, Allah BACHAYAc, Laeeq Akbar LODHIa, Abdul Asim
FAROOQ, Muhammd Mazhar AYAZ, Saeed MURTAZA, Muhammad ARSHAD, Irtaza
HUSSAIN, Abdul BASIT, Ijaz AHMADa, Mushtaq HUSSAINb and Zahida TASAWARb

Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, aUniversity of

Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, bInstitute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan, Pakistan, cDepartment of Animal Sciences, Allama Iqbal Open University,
Islamabad
*Corresponding email: drsaleem46@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
The current study was designed to evaluate the macro and trace mineral profile in soil, fodder
and in buffaloes of irrigated agro-ecological zone. 60 soil and 60 fodder samples were collected
from Block-1 (Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan) and Block-2 (Tehsil Taunsa Sharif), whereas, in each
Block, 60 blood samples were collected randomly from lactating buffalo. The concentrations of
calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc were quantified with the help of atomic absorption
spectrophotometer whereas sodium and potassium were measured by a flame photometer. There
was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in soil and fodder macro (calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium) and trace mineral (copper, iron, zinc) concentrations between block-1 and 2. There was
non-significant (P>0.05) difference in calcium, magnesium and sodium concentrations whereas
significant (P<0.05) differences were observed for potassium concentrations in buffaloes of block-1
and block-2. There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in copper, iron and zinc concentrations
in buffaloes of block-1 and block-2. In block-1 and block-2, all buffaloes were deficient for zinc. It
was concluded that buffaloes raised in the study area were lacking in some minerals, and for
optimal production these minerals must be supplemented.

Keywords: Macro minerals, Trace minerals, Buffaloes, Fodder, Soil

INTRODUCTION
Livestock, especially ruminants, survive on plant nutrients, the quality and quantity of which
depend to some extent on soil type, level of fertilization and irrigation. Certain major nutrients of
plants such as protein, carbohydrates and lipid do not vary much because they are mostly genetical
parameters and species specific, but mineral contents may vary to a variable extent with reference
to the soil. Macro and micro mineral play vital role for numerous metabolic functions and their
deficiency affects the normal production. In cattle, mineral availability mainly influenced by
production system, feeding practices and environment (Singh and Bohra, 2005).
The mineral contents of fodder depend on an intricate interrelationship of soil, climate,
topography, plant species, its age and yield, pasture or fodder management and cropping patterns
(McDowell and Arthington, 2005). In the process of intensive farming practices, soils from all over
the country are getting depleted for one or more mineral element resulting in imbalances of mineral
elements in soil, plants and animals. Different diseases caused by mineral deficiency and toxicity in
livestock have existed for ages in many countries including Pakistan. Previous studies have
described the composition of forage frequently used for nourishing dairy cattle (Khan et al., 2006;
Fardous et al., 2010); but, the mineral content of the fodders has not been studied in detail. Limited
research work conducted in rural areas has suggested mineral inadequacies in the soil and fodder.
To know the mineral demands of ruminants, it is imperative to know the mineral levels in soil and
forage (Pereira et al., 1997). Keeping in view the changing agro-climatic conditions of southern

Accepted April 10, 2013; Online February 24, 2014.

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Punjab, current study was designed to evaluate the macro and trace mineral status in soil, fodder
and in buffaloes of irrigated agro-ecological zone of Punjab, Pakistan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was conducted at District Dera Ghazi Khan, which is located in irrigated
agro-ecological zone of Punjab, Pakistan. For collection of soil, fodder and blood samples from
Nili-Ravi buffaloes, renowned agriculture villages were selected in two Tehsils namely, Tehsil
Dera Ghazi Khan (Block-1) and Tehsil Taunsa Sharif (Block-2). The sample collection was done
during November-December 2011.
Sample Collection and Preparation:
From each Block, a total of 60 soil and 60 fodder samples were collected. Soil samples were
collected at 60 different sites in each Block by simple random sampling. Composite fodder samples
were collected randomly at 60 different sites in each Block. In each Block, 60 blood samples were
collected randomly from lactating buffaloes. Lactating buffaloes ranged age from 3-10 years with 2
to 6 parity. The collected serum was retained in vials, branded and were stored at -20˚ C till
analyzed.
Soil samples were subjected to extraction by following Ammonium bicarbonate diethylene
triamine penta acetic acid (ABDTPA) (Soltanpour, 1985) whereas for fodder and serum mineral
determination, samples were digested as the method described by Richard (1968). The
concentration of macro minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) and trace minerals (Copper, Iron, Zinc)
were quantified with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Analyst 200,
France) whereas sodium and potassium were measured by a flame photometer (PFP7, Jenway,
UK).
Statistical Analysis:
The mean (± SE) for macro and trace minerals in soil, fodder and serum of Block-1 were
compared with mean values of soil, fodder and serum of Block-2 by Z-test (Steel et al., 2006).

RESULTS
There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in fodder calcium, magnesium, sodium and
potassium concentrations between block-1 and 2. Similarly, non-significant (P>0.05) differences
were observed for fodder copper, iron and zinc concentrations between block-1 and 2 (Table-1).
Between block-1 and 2, there was non-significant difference for soil calcium, magnesium, sodium
and potassium concentrations. Consequently, between block-1 and 2, there was non-significant
difference in soil copper, iron and zinc concentrations (Table-2).
There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in calcium, magnesium and sodium
concentrations in buffaloes of block-1 and block-2, whereas significant (P<0.05) differences were
observed for potassium concentrations in buffaloes of block-1 and block-2. There was non-
significant (P>0.05) difference in copper, iron and zinc concentrations in buffaloes of block-1 and
block-2. In block-1 and block-2, all buffaloes were deficient for zinc (Table-3).

DISCUSSION
The findings of the current study indicated that the soils were lacking in various evaluated
macro minerals (magnesium and potassium) in block-1 and block-2. Wide-ranging variations in
soil mineral concentrations have been reported by many other workers (Khalili et al., 1993; Pereira
et al., 1997; Sharma et al., 2003; Ndebele et al., 2005). Different aspects have been ascribed
responsible for variations in the mineral concentrations in soil of the plain areas. The soil of Dera
Ghazi Khan is sandy clay loam in nature with slightly alkaline in reaction and deficiency of
minerals in soil may be due to increased crop yield which removes minerals from the soil
(McDowell and Arthington, 2005). In the present study, the concentrations of macro and trace
minerals in the fodders of two blocks were above the critical level (Table 2). Calcium is important
in decreasing the acidity of soil and as well as it is used as a key nutrient for normal plant

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Buffalo Bulletin 2013 Vol.32 (Special Issue 2): 824-828

development. In the present study, soil calcium ranged from 110.4 to 134.9 ppm, and there was
non-significant difference between blocks. The soil calcium concentrations in both the blocks were
above the critical level of 71 ppm. Adams and Hartzog (1960) described that higher levels of
calcium in soil could increase calcium concentrations in the fodder. Likewise, in the present study,
all fodder samples had higher calcium levels than the critical level reported for the fodder
(McDowell and Conrad 1977). In current study, the magnesium, sodium and potassium
concentrations in soils of block-1 and block-2 were below critical levels; consequently
concentrations of these minerals in fodder samples were higher than the critical level. These
findings are in antagonistic to Ashraf et al. (2006) who detected lower potassium levels in fodder
grown-up in soils having higher potassium concentrations. In the present study; copper, iron and
zinc concentrations in soil and fodder of block-1 and block-2 were above the critical levels.
In both the blocks serum magnesium, potassium and zinc concentrations were lower than
normal. The mean concentrations of calcium in the present study are within normal range and are in
agreement with Yadav et al. (1998) and Das et al. (2004). The results of present study for sodium
are also in agreement with Khan et al. (2008). Sodium concentrations are also in normal ranges in
both the blocks and it may possibly be by reason of feeding of common salt in surplus amount to
the buffaloes as it is the unchanging exercise in this area. Feeding of common salt to animals at the
rate of 100–150 g of salt/animal/ day is also reported in India by Kumaresan et al. (2008). Copper
concentrations in the serum of buffaloes observed in present study are in agreement with Bedi and
Khan (1984). However, all buffaloes involved in current study were deficient in zinc, and these
findings corroborate with Yadav and Khirwar (2000). Compared to our study, high concentrations
of zinc have also been reported (Bedi and Khan 1984; Das et al., 2004).
Results of current study conclude that buffaloes raised in study area were lacking in some
minerals, and for optimal production these minerals must be supplemented in diet.

REFERENCES
Adams, F. and D. L. Hartzog. 1960. The nature of yields responses of florunner peanuts to lime.
Peanut Sci. 7:120–123.
Ashraf, M. Y., A. Khan, M. Ashraf and S. Zafar. 2006. Studies on transfer of mineral nutrients
from
feed, water, soil and plants to buffaloes under arid environments. J. Arid Environ. 65:632-
643.
Bedi, S. P. S. and S. A. Khan. 1984. Trace element status of soil, fodder and animals in Bijnore
district of Uttar Pradesh. Ind. J. Anim. Sci. 54:570-574.
Das A, T. K. Ghosh and S. Haldar. 2004. Status of major and trace elements in grazing cattle and
buffaloes of red laterite and new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Ind. J. Anim. Sci. 74:285-
291.
Fardous, A., G. Sumaira, A. S. Zahid, A. Kafeel, Z. I. Khan, M. Ibrahim, A. E. W. Ahmad, S. Ullah
and E.E. Valeem. 2010. Sodium, potassium and magnesium dynamics in soil, plant,
animal continuum. Pak. J. Bot. 42:2411-2421.
Khalili, M., E. Lindgren and T. Varvikko. 1993. A survey of mineral status of soil, feeds and cattle
in the Selale Ethiopian highlands. II. Trace elements. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 25:193-
201.
Khan, Z. I., M. Danish and K. Ahmad. 2008. Macromineral profile in forage, blood plasma and
urine of grazing buffaloes with respect to seasonal variation. Buff. Bullet. 27:173-176.
Khan, Z. I., A. Hussain, M. Ashraf and L. R. McDowell. 2006. Mineral status of soils and forages
in
southwestern Punjab-Pakistan: Trace-minerals. Asian-Australian J. Anim. Sci. 19:1139 –
1147.
Kumaresan, A., P. P. Prabhakaran, K. M. Bujarbaruah, K. A. Pathak, B. Chhetri and S. K. Ahmed.
2008. Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows reared under traditional low

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input production system in the eastern Himalayas. Trop. Anim. Health Prod.
10.1007/s11250-008-9155-0.
McDowell, L. R. and J. D. Arthington. 2005. Minerals for Grazing Ruminants in Tropical Regions.
Extension Bulletin Animal Science Department, University of Florida.
McDowell, L. R. and J. H. Conrad. 1977. Trace mineral nutrition in Latin America. World Anim.
Rev. 24:24.
Ndebele. N., J. P. Mtimuni, I. D. T. Mpofu, S. Makuza and P. Mumba. 2005. The status of selected
minerals in soil, forage and beef cattle tissues in a semi-arid region of Zimbabwe. Trop. Anim.
Health Prod. 37:381–393.
Pereira, J. V., L. R. McDowell, J. H. Conrad, N. Wilkinson and F. Martin. 1997. Mineral status of
soils, forages and cattle in Nicaragua. I. Trace minerals. Rev. Fac. Agron., 14:73–89.
Richard L A. 1968. Diagnosis and improvements of saline and alkaline soils. (1st Ed.). Agri.
Handbook
No. 60, IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India.
Sharma, M. C., C. Joshi and S. Gupta. 2003. Prevalence of mineral deficiency in soils, plants and
cattle of certain districts of Uttarpredesh. Ind. J. Vet. Med., 23:4–8.
Singh, V. and B. Bohra. 2005. Livestock feed resources and feeding practices in hill farming
system—a review. Ind. J. Anim. Sci. 75:121-127.
Soltanpour, P. N. 1985. Use of AB-DTPA soil test to evaluate elemental availability and toxicity.
Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 16:323-330.
Steel, R. G. D., J. H. Torrie and D. A. Dickey. 2006. Principles and Procedures of Statistics. A
biometrical approach. 3rd Ed., McGraw Hill Co. New York, USA.
Yadav, P. S., A. B. Mandal, V. Kapoor, K. R. Sunaria and N. S. Mann, 1998. Mineral status of
cows and buffalos in Rewari district of Haryana. Ind. J. Anim. Sci. 68:1059-1061.
Yadav, S. and S. S. Khirwar. 2000. Soil-plant-animal relationship of zinc in milch buffaloes of
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Table 1. Mean (±SE) concentrations of different minerals in soil of Block-1 & Block-2.

Critical
Mineral Concentrations Block-1 Block-2
(CC)
Calcium (ppm) 71 122.34 ± 0.89 a 123.31 ± 0.86 a
Magnesium (ppm) 9.10 9.02 ± 0.33 a 9.05 ± 0.29 a
a
Sodium (ppm) - 0.04 ± 0.001 0.04 ± 0.001 a
Potassium (ppm) <37 0.14 ± 0.005 a 0.13± 0.005 a
a
Copper (ppm) 1 1.39 ± 0.19 1.44 ± 0.18 a
Iron (ppm) 20 28.06 ± 2.16 a 26.26 ± 2.11 a
a
Zinc (ppm) 1.50 1.87 ± 0.15 1.91 ± 0.16 a
Values sharing similar superscripts differed non-significantly

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 Buffalo Bulletin 2013 Vol.32 (Special Issue 2): 824-828

Table 2. Mean (±SE) concentrations of different minerals in fodder of Block-1 & Block-2.

Critical
Mineral Concentrations Block-1 Block-2
(CC)
Calcium (%) 0.30 0.47 ± 0.04 a 0.45 ± 0.02 a
a
Magnesium (%) 0.12 0.15 ± 0.01 0.17 ± 0.01 a
Sodium (%) <0.08 0.40 ± 0.02 a 0.42 ± 0.02 a
a
Potassium (%) <0.25 0.83 ± 0.01 0.87 ± 0.01 a
Copper (ppm) 10 19.28 ± 2.66 a 18.98 ± 3.32 a
a
Iron (ppm) 30 419.54 ± 41.22 422.13 ± 38.67 a
a
Zinc (ppm) 30 31.14 ± 2.53 30.94 ± 2.37 a
Values sharing similar superscripts differed non-significantly

Table 3. Mean (±SE) concentrations of different minerals in serum of buffaloes of Block-1 &
Block-2.

Mineral Block-1 Block-2

Calcium (mmol/l) 2.16 ± 0.05 a 2.15 ± 0.04 a
Magnesium (mmol/l) 0.19 ± 0.01 a 0.21 ± 0.01 a
Sodium (mmol/l) 144.06 ± 1.72 a 142.5 ± 1.56 a
Potassium (mmol/l) 2.68 ± 0.26a 1.99 ± 0.19b
Copper (µmol/l) 12.12 ± 1.51 a 12.69 ± 1.09 a
Iron (µmol/l) 42.19 ± 3.12 a 41.95 ± 2.32a
Zinc (µmol/l) 10.11 ± 1.91 a 9.91 ± 1.05 a
Values sharing similar superscripts differed non-significantly

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