Minerals status of soil, fodder and in lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes in irrigated agro-ecological zone of Punjab, Pakistan.

The current study was designed to evaluate the macro and trace mineral profile in soil, fodder and in buffaloes of irrigated agro-ecological zone. 60 soil and 60 fodder samples were collected from Block-1 (Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan) and Block-2 (Tehsil Taunsa Sharif), whereas, in each Block, 60 blood samples were collected randomly from lactating buffalo. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc were quantified with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer whereas sodium and potassium were measured by a flame photometer. There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in soil and fodder macro (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium) and trace mineral (copper, iron, zinc) concentrations between block-1 and 2. There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in calcium, magnesium and sodium concentrations whereas significant (P<0.05) differences were observed for potassium concentrations in buffaloes of block-1 and block-2. There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in copper, iron and zinc concentrations in buffaloes of block-1 and block-2. In block-1 and block-2, all buffaloes were deficient for zinc. It was concluded that buffaloes raised in the study area were lacking in some minerals, and for optimal production these minerals must be supplemented.