No abstract

Analysis of soil, fodder and water samples collected from some localities of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India revealed high fluoride concentrations indicating the areas endemic for fluoride pollution. Concentration of micro and macro minerals was estimated in blood samples collected from cattle reared in these localities, and with clinical lesions suggestive of chronic fluoride toxicity. In comparison to healthy controls, zinc, copper and manganese levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower, while cobalt and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in fluoride-intoxicated cattle. Results of the present study suggested that interaction of fluoride with other minerals possibly played a role in pathogenesis of chronic fluoride intoxication.

ObjectiveUnder certain adverse conditions nitrate can accumulate to potentially toxic concentrations in forages like oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), maize (Zea mays), sarson (Brassica juncea) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum). The conditions under which plants accumulate excessive amounts of nitrates are not fully understood. We hypothesized that excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers may be responsible for accumulation of nitrate in plants and decided to determine the effect of excess urea application on nitrate accumulation in berseem, berseem+ rye grass (Lolium perenne) (B+RG), breseem + sarson (B+S) and berseem + oats (B+O).MethodsThe crop was sown on the experimental area in the plot sizes of 5X4 m2 in three replications. The crop was sprayed with 5 different concentrations of urea ranging from 1 to 5% and subsequently analyzed for nitrate content.ResultsThe results indicate that the crude protein and nitrate content of berseem, B+RG, B+S and B+O increases with increasing concentrations of urea. The maximum nitrate concentration in B+S was observed at 4% of urea concentration while in B+RG and B+O at 5% of urea.ConclusionThe excessive nitrogen application appears to be responsible for the nitrate accumulation in the forage crops which may lead to large scale livestock losses.