Micro- minerals status in goats of different ages in semi-arid region of India

The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare blood zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) status of healthy female goats (210: 105 of Barbari breed and 105 of Jamunapari breed) of different ages, managed under semi-intensive system at institute farm. Blood Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly influenced by age of goats, while blood Co concentration was significantly affected by the breed of goats. In Barbari and Jamunapari goats, Zn levels further increased during one month of age. Thereafter it decreased significantly with the advancement of age up to 9-10 months of age in Barbari goats. Zn level was significantly low at pubertal age than pre-pubertal age in Barbari goats. While in Jamunapari goats, Zn level was not different in pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal age. In these goats, Cu concentration was low at birth which increased with the advancement of age and attained the highest level at 11 to 12 months of age, while, blood Cu concentration was not different at pre-pubertal, pubertal and post pubertal age. Blood Co concentration did not change with the advancement of age. Barbari goats have significantly higher blood Co concentration than Jamunapari goats.