Authors : Zafar Iqbal Khan , Muhammad Ashraf , Muhammad Yasin Ashraf , Zia-ur-Rahman and Altaf Hussain
Abstract: A study was carried out to evaluate the cobalt status of grazing goats on the basis of cobalt concentration in soil, dietary sources, plasma, milk, faeces, and urine as affected by seasons and animal class. It was found that only forage had seasonal variation with grater concentration in winter than that in summer. Soil and forage Co concentration were inadequate for the normal requirements for plants and animals during both seasons. Positive association was found between plasma Co levels and sources of Co consumed by animals. Higher plasma Co concentration was found in male goats as compared to that in other groups while fecal Co concentration was higher in lactating goats that that in other classes during both seasons. Although the Co concentrations in forage, the principal dietary factor were deficient, but the plasma Co levels in all classes of goats were sufficiently high showing the contribution of feed and water in complementing the forage Co required by animals for normal body function. The overall Co status of goats may be considered adequate mainly due to feed supplement, since forage Co concentration was low to deficient.
Zafar Iqbal Khan , Muhammad Ashraf , Muhammad Yasin Ashraf , Zia-ur-Rahman and Altaf Hussain , 2003. Contribution of Soil, Forages, Water, and Feed Toward Meeting Cobalt Requirements of Grazing Goats during Different Seasons. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 470-477.