Authors : Zafar Iqbal Khan , M. Ashraf , M. Y. Ashraf , Z. Rahman and Altaf Hussain
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the potassium status of lactating, non-lactating and male goats on farm located in Southern Punjab. A mineral supplement were available to all animals throughout the year. Soil, forage, water, feed and animal samples (blood plasma, milk, faeces, and urine) were taken 8 times fortnightly during winter and summer seasons. On the basis of results of analyses soil K+ was deficient for the requirements of plants during summer while forage K+ concentrations were below the critical values during both seasons. The contribution of feed K+ in maintaining the K+ level of animals was also not prominent. From plasma analyses it was found that K+ was below the normal levels in lactating and male goats during both seasons and in non-lactating goats only during summer. The loss of K+ through milk, faeces and urine was high during both seasons. Overall K+ status of these goats based on plasma concentrations may be considered inadequate mainly due to low forage K+ concentration which were found low to deficient. Key words: Potassium, status, goats, soil, forage, water, milk and plasma
Zafar Iqbal Khan , M. Ashraf , M. Y. Ashraf , Z. Rahman and Altaf Hussain , 2003. Evaluation of Potassium Status of Grazing Goats in South, Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 375-381.