Studies on seasonal changes in mineral concentrations of cross breed cattle in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The present study reports the seasonal variations of copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium calcium, phosphorus and copper concentrations in dairy cattle of Kashmir valley. Serum samples were collected in four seasons summer, winter, autumn and spring season. Mineral estimation for different season revealed no significant effect of season on the blood calcium levels. Inorganic phosphate was found to be significantly higher in the summer (7.05 ± 0.61) and significantly lower in the autumn. Blood magnesium levels showed marked seasonal variations with significantly lower level in spring and winter than in the summer (2.43±0.48) and spring (1.75 ± 0.41) while no significant difference was observed in levels between spring (2.33 ± 0.57) and winter (2.52 ± 0.65). Iron levels were seen to be significantly higher in summer (3.95 ± 0.32), while no significant difference was observed in levels between spring (2.33 ± 0.57), autumn (2.52 ± 0.65) and winter (2.88± 0.78). Copper levels was found to be significantly higher in summer(1.43 ±0.42) and significantly lower winter (0.98 ± 0.19), while no significant difference was found in levels of copper between autumn(1.28 ± 0.25) and spring (1.23± 0.21). Present study could not find any seasonal variations on serum Zn levels.