MICRONUTRIENT STATUS OF DAIRY-CATTLE AS INFLUENCED BY SOIL-PLANT RELATIONSHIP IN TARAI REGION

An attempt was made to evaluate copper, iron, manganese and zinc conte nts in serum, fodder, concentrate mixture and soils at 3 livestock far ms to establish soil-plant-animal relationship. An appreciable but non significant difference in serum copper and manganese could be detected in dairy cattle of 3 farms, whereas lowest serum iron and zinc levels were recorded at University-managed farm in comparison to privately o wned farms. Analysis of fodder samples revealed copper deficiency in 5 0% samples of Mehta Trust Farm and zinc deficiency in 33% fodder sampl es of Prag livestock Farm and 50% fodder samples of Livestock Research Centre. Analysis of concentrate mixtures did not reveal deficiency of these micronutrients. The micronutrient level of total ration formula tion being fed at these livestock farms differed significantly and the deficiency recorded in total ration was reflected in serum establishi ng plant-animal relationship. Soil analysis revealed zinc deficiency i n 33% samples each at Livestock Research Centre and Prag Livestock Far m which was reflected by low levels of serum zinc at these farms. Poss ible impact of soil-plant-animal relationship on productive health of livestock has been discussed.