Seasonal Variations of Macro and Micro Minerals in Different Feeds and Fodders in Sub Tropical Region

The study was conducted at Cattle Yard of Livestock Farm located at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. There are four major seasons in the year viz. winter (December to March), summer (April to June), rainy (July to September) and autumn (October to November). The fodders and feed fed to Karen fries cattle are collected in all seasons. Four samples of each fodder (green and dry) mentioned above were collected in each month (one sample per week) in the respective season. Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese were determined. All the four season calcium, phosphorus, copper levels were observed above the critical level. But zinc and manganese level were observed below the critical level in dry roughages in rainy, autumn and winter season. It can be concluded, from the results of the present study, that the dry fodders reared in different seasons were deficient in zinc and manganese minerals and supplementation of required minerals is essential for optimum production.