SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF COPPER, IRON, ZINC AND SELENIUM IN CYCLIC AND ANOESTRUS NILI-RAVI BUFFALOES KEPT UNDER FARM CONDITIONS

M. S. AKHTAR, A. A. FAROOQ AND M. MUSHTAQ

Farm and Health Division, Buffalo Research Institute, Pattoki, District Kasur, Pakistan

Abstract   

    The present study was planned to determine serum micro-mineral status (copper, iron, zinc, selenium) in cyclic and anoestrus buffaloes during March to June, 2008. Serum micro-mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean serum concentrations of copper, iron, zinc and selenium in cyclic buffaloes were 70.59 µg/dl, 370 µg/dl, 181.4 µg/dl and 0.10 µg/ml, respectly. The corresponding values for anoestrus animals were 62.23 µg/dl, 358.13 µg/dl, 164.07 µg/dl and 0.07 µg/ml. Compared with cyclic buffaloes, there were significantly lower serum copper, iron, zinc and selenium levels in anoestrus buffaloes (P<0.05). It was concluded that deficiencies of copper, iron, zinc and selenium either singly or in combination, could be responsible for anoestrus condition in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Thus, by improving the nutritional status, fertility can be improved in buffaloes.

Key words: Buffaloes, cyclic, anoestrus, serum, micro-minerals