Use of pasture and animal samples as indicators of magnesium status of small ruminants in relation to seasonal fluctuations
2004
Khan, Z.I. | Hussain, A. | Ashraf, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Valeem, E.E. | Ashraf, M.Y.
A study was conducted to determine Mg status of grazing sheep in the natural and improved pastures in semi-arid region of Pakistan. Pasture samples including soil, forage, feed, water, and animal samples including plasma, milk, faeces and urine were taken from three different classes of sheep, fortnightly during two different seasons of the year for analyses. Results indicated that all the samples except forage and plasma, and urine in non-lactating sheep remained unaffected by seasonal fluctuations. Plasma Mg2+ in all sheep was found to be marginally deficient in both seasons of the year, but soil and forage Mg2+ contents were found to be adequate for the requirements of plants and animals, respectively. Based on this study it was concluded that Mg2+ level of plasma was likely to be deficient which may be a factor for limiting livestock production in this region. Supplementation with fortified mixture containing this element in appropriate proportion with high bio-availability would seem adequate to these animals during both seasons of the year to increase the productivity of sheep at that farm.
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