Evaluation of Deficiency and Toxicity of Wild Forage Micro- Minerals as Potential Hazards for Grazing Livestock under Semi- Arid Environmental Conditions

Abstract

| Micro-minerals (iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and cobalt) content of some wild legumes and grasses from arid environment of central Punjab (Pakistan) was evaluated during the rainy and dry seasons. The micro-mineral contents of legumes were significantly higher in dry season than rainy season except iron. Legume contents of all minerals except iron were higher during dry season compared to those found during the rainy season under the same environment. Grass forages contained higher values of manganese, zinc, and copper during rainy season and the reverse was true for grasses iron and cobalt during the dry season. Results indicated that legumes were the best sources of manganese and zinc than grasses during both seasons, and grasses had higher amounts of copper and cobalt than legumes while both legumes and grasses were at par with respect to iron. All mean mineral forage values except iron at both seasons were below the critical levels required for ruminants for their growth and reproductive aspects, thus mineral supplements are warranted to alleviate the problems of deficiency in livestock grazing there in legume and grass pastures.