Deficiency of Energy and Minerals causes Metabolic Disorders in Bovines: Vet Varsity Experts
Ludhiana 16 November 2020,Pashudhan Praharee Network
The diseases like Milk Fever, Ketosis and Post- Parturient Hemoglobinemia are associated with lack of available energy and minerals to the animals. This was stated by Dr Shukriti Sharma, Professor Department of Veterinary Medicine during the weekly webinars being conducted by Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana (GADVASU). Milk Fever is a disease characterized by reduced blood calcium levels at the onset of lactation after parturition. Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs when demand of energy exceeds than intake due to high milk production resulting in a negative energy balance. Postparturient hemoglobinuria is a sporadic condition which occurs due to phosphorus depletion as well as copper deficiency as potential predisposing factors. Balanced diet enriched with grains and bypass fat should be provided well before calving to prevent these diseases.
Dr Chanchal Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry discussed the importance of minerals in dairy animals. Major minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium etc are associated with skeleton development of the animals. Lack of these minerals causes depletion of bones and low milk production. Micro minerals i.e. zinc, copper, manganese, iodine etc. are related with reproduction, immunity and skin health. Proper doses of these micro minerals improve the digestive system, production of hormones and fertility.
Dr Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education said that there is a lack of awareness of the dairy farmers regarding the use of bypass fat and mineral supplements. High demand of nutrients immediately after parturition results in loss of body weight causing silent heat in the animals. GADVASU prepares both bypass fat and mineral mixture at its Ludhiana centre and they are also available at its KVKs (Barnala, Mohali & Tarntaran), RRTC (Booh, Kaljhrani & Talwara) and College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul.
