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The Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Selenium and Zinc Status of Cattle in the Sanyati and Chinamhora Smallholder Grazing Areas of Zimbabwe |
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I. D. T. Mpofu, L. R. Ndlovu, N. H. Casey |
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| Abstract |
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The trace mineral status of cattle in the smallholder grazing areas of Sanyati and Chinamhora in Zimbabwe was evaluation was done in terms of mineral concentration in blood plasma. Plasma copper in calves, steers and cows in the dry season was; Sanyati: 0.55, 0.59, and 0.61; Chinamhora:0.59, 0.58, and 0.60 關g/ml, respectively versus a normal of 0.65 關g/ml. In the rainy season, copper was deficient at both sites (averaging 0.56 關g/ml and 0.59 關g/ml at Sanyati and Chinamhora, respectively). Plasma selenium in the dry season was 0.017, 0.025, and 0.017 關g/ml for calves, steers and cows, respectively at Sanyati versus a normal of 0.03 關g/ml and therefore considered to be deficient. Iron, zinc and cobalt were found to be generally high and therefore unlikely to be deficient. Copper and selenium are recommended in salt licks in these environments. |
| Keywords:
Trace Minerals; Status; Cattle; Grazing |
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