2008 Volume 25 Pages 51-56
Monthly changes in macro mineral concentrations of feeds in dairy farms were investigated to evaluate mineral status of dairy cattle and buffalo. Fifteen dairy farms in three villages located around Rampur in Chitwan District were chosen, and feed amounts and its concentrations fed to mature dairy cattle and buffalo were quantified in every month from April 2007 to March 2008. The animals were fed green fodders mainly from May to July and straws from August to April. The total DM amounts of feeds were decreased in July, which was reflected from the highest amount of green fodders. The concentrations of magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) in feedstuffs were as much as the requirements for dry and pregnant cows. However, the concentrations of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) were lower than the requirements for dry and pregnant cows in some months. In particular, the concentration of sodium (Na) was considerably lower than the requirement for dry and pregnant cows. It was suggested that attention should be paid for P, Ca and Na status of dairy cattle and buffalo in the region because the concentrations of the minerals in feedstuff might be insufficient in the particular months for P and Ca and in year-round for Na.
