Effect of dietary supplementation of copper and phosphorus on blood mineral status and biochemical profile in growing crossbred heifers

Crossbred heifers (16) of 12 to 16 months age and an average body weight of 155 kg were divided into 4 groups of animals each in a 2 × 2 factorial completely randomized design. Four respective dietary treatments in the form of mineral (feed) mixture containing copper sulphate to supply copper (Cu) and dicalcium phosphate to supply phosphorus (P) along with the concentrate mixture and ad lib. mixed fodder (green oats + oats straw) were provided to all the animals to discern the effect on feed intake, weight gain and blood mineral status and certain serum biological constituents. The heifers in treatment group 1 were fed ration without Cu and P supplements, whereas heifers in treatment groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with Cu and P, respectively, and in treatment group 4 were supplemented with Cu and P both. Feeding trial lasted for 90 days. Blood samples collected at 0, 45 and 90 days of feeding trial were analyzed for Cu and P and certain biochemical constituents in the blood serum. Cu concentration in blood serum was significantly highest in treatment group 2 (Cu supplemented) amongst all the groups at 45 and 90 days. The overall mean Cu concentration in blood serum of heifers was significantly improved due to dietary supplement of Cu. The serum P concentration at 45 and 90 days of feeding trial, differed significantly among the different groups. The overall mean P concentration significantly improved in the heifer due to dietary supplementation of P. The feed intake and weight gain were not significantly influenced due to dietary supplementation of either Cu or P or their interaction; however, heifers supplemented with Cu gained more weight than other groups. The SGPT and SGOT activities were significantly higher in heifers of group 4 (Cu and P supplemented) than other groups. The dietary Cu and P had significant effect in improving the SGPT and SGOT activities. The blood serum total protein, albumin and globulin and blood glucose concentrations were in the normal range and did not differ significantly among the groups and were not influenced due to Cu and/or P supplementation. Serum total cholesterol concentration was higher in heifers of treatment group 2 supplemented with Cu and lowest in the control group but there was no significant effect of Cu or P supplements. Thus Cu and P supplementation is inevitable for ruminant animals in Plain region of Uttarakhand to maintain the blood biochemical constituents and Cu and P status under field as well as under farm condition.