PJB-2021-578
ASSESSMENT OF TRACE AND ULTRA TRACE MINERAL LEVELS OF BROWSE FORAGES IN CONNECTION TO SHEEP DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Abdul Qudoos
Abstract
This paper describes the trace and ultra-trace mineral levels in different browse forage utilized by sheep in the rangelands of district Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan. The levels of selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) were assessed with spectrophotometric methods after digestion of forage samples. The dominant forage species consumed by sheep were Buxus pappillosa, Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis glandulosa, Ficus palmata, Acacia modesta, Trichodesma indica, Olea permiginea, Peganum harmala, Olea permiginea, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Justicia adhatoda, Olea ferrugnea, Morus nigra and Ipomoea carnea. Mean levels of Co, Zn and Cu in forages were higher than the requirements for livestock while the level of Se was within the normal range. Mo and Mn levels were lower than dietary requirements for livestock. In conclusion, rangeland forages contained sufficient levels of most trace minerals (Co, Cu, Se, Zn) to meet the requirements of grazing sheep in the study district. However, Mn and Mo supplementation seems to be essential to maintain optimal production capabilities of sheep in this area.
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