Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine Mg2+ status of grazing sheep in the natural and improved pastures in semi-arid region of Pakistan. Pasture samples including soil, forage, feed, water, and annual 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 bioavailability would seem adequate to those animals during both seasons of the year to increase the productivity of sheep at that farm.
Page(s):
413-422
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, Volume: 1, Issue: 3, Year: 2004