Plasma mineral profile and its correlation with reproductive status in crossbred cows.

Reproductive performance of crossbred cows reared under traditional low input production system was assessed. A total number of 649 farmers were surveyed to evaluate reproductive performance and plasma mineral profile of crossbred cattle. The animals were categorized as cyclic, repeat breeder cows, anoestrous cows and anoestrous heifers based on the reproductive performance. The plasma Calcium and Phosphorus profile differed significantly (P<0.01) in different categories of animals and were lower than the critical values (8.0 and 4.5 ppm) and deficiency was 60 and 52% respectively. Where as Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium concentration of plasma indicated their sufficiency in all groups of animals under consideration. Among the micro minerals, Copper and Zinc concentrations of plasma were lower (P<0.01) than critical values which indicated deficiency in 69 and 61% of animals. The plasma Manganese concentration was well above the critical value in majority of animals, indicating only 38% deficiency among animals. While plasma Iron content was well above the required levels and is indicative of sufficiency. The study concluded that, plasma concentration of macro (Ca and P) and micro (Cu, Zn and Mn) minerals in repeat breeder cows, anoestrous cows and anoestrous heifers was significantly (P<0.01) lower as compared to cyclic animals. Supplementation of these deficient minerals in the form of mineral mixture is required to ameliorate the deficiency.