PJB-2019-852
Mineral evaluation of fodder tree leaves and shrubs consumed by livestock in the mountain region of Pakistan
Ishrat Roomi, Azhar Hussain, Sher Wali Khan, Maisoor Ahmad Nafees, Arif Un Nisa Naqvi and Wasim Akram
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the macro-micro mineral profile of four fodder trees (Salix nigra, Salix alba, Populus nigra, and Elaeagnus angustifolia) and two shrubs (Hippophae rhamnoides and Rosa webbiana) commonly utilized as livestock feed. A study was undertaken in three villages (Holshal, Broshal, and Hakalshal) of Hoper Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, to determine the species and seasonal changes in macro and micro-mineral concentrations. Six composite samples from each village were collected across three seasons and measured via wet digestion. Except for sulfur (0.82%) in Salix alba, substantial amounts of macro-micro minerals of phosphorus (0.41), potassium (2.14), calcium (2.64%), zinc (217.5), and copper (11.63mg/kg DM) were identified in Populusnigra, whereas magnesium (0.45%), manganese (90.4), and iron (728.3 mg/kg DM) were found in Rosa webbiana. Phosphorus (0.54), potassium (1.87%), and copper (12.4 mg/kg DM) were found in high concentrations in the spring, while calcium (3.04), magnesium (0.34), sulfur (0.53%), zinc (102.0), manganese (69.6), and iron (514.1 mg/kg DM) were found in high concentrations in the autumn. The study suggests that the leaves from all fodder species should be mixed before being fed to ruminant animals to ensure the supply of all minerals in the ration. Mineral concentrations vary by species and season, necessitating a proper feed plan to meet the nutritional needs of ruminant animals, and local farmers should use diverse feeding strategies throughout the year
To Cite this article:
Roomi, I., A. Hussain, S.W. Khan, M.A. Nafees, A.U.N. Naqvi and W. Akram. 2023. Mineral evaluation of fodder tree leaves and shrubs consumed by livestock in the mountain region of Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 55(2): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2023-2(18)
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