Evaluation of plasma minerals vis-a-vis physiological status and seasonal variation in goats of Shuhama Alusteng area of Kashmir valley

Mineral disorders can have a great impact on animal performance and to draw optimum production the deficiency gap needs to be abridged. Regular assessment of livestock vis-a-vis physiological demands and/or geo-climatic variations is an important management strategy to overcome severe economic losses. A study was undertaken to evaluate the plasma mineral profile of goats in Shuhama Alusteng area of Kashmir valley, aimed to set a platform for formulation of area- and species-specific mineral supplement(s). A total of 114 blood samples from goats belonging to different physiological states were collected in four different seasons of the year. The plasma macro-minerals like Ca, P and Mg were measured using standard kits, while micro-minerals like Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Young stock revealed significantly higher Ca, but lower Mg status. Also, Ca level was lower throughout the year except autumn, whereas Mg was lower in winter and spring seasons. Cu and Zn concentrations, though adequate in all the categories, were near the critical values in spring and summer. Fe was adequate but could be provided during spring. Fe concentration observed was adequate- well above the critical concentration irrespective of the physiological status or season of the year. The study also revealed a good percentage of samples deficient in one or the other mineral throughout the year, suggesting Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn supplementation during specific periods. Further, formulating a mineral supplement(s) demands larger sampling size for confirmation of these findings besides the impact study of agro-geo-climatic conditions of the area on animal mineral status.   Key words: Goats, physiological status, season, Kashmir valley, minerals.