Effects of poor pasture conditions and type of feeding on some biochemical values of gobra zebu in Senegal

Br Vet J. 1991 Nov-Dec;147(6):538-44. doi: 10.1016/0007-1935(91)90023-G.

Abstract

Blood samples were obtained from 70 healthy gobra zebu from three different farms each one with a different feed (natural pasture, concentrates and groundnut hay) to exhibit the influence of type of feeding. To evaluate effect of poor pasture conditions, animals in an extensive system on natural pasture were sampled twice with a monthly interval in the late dry season. Blood samples were analysed for calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, glucose, urea, creatinine and haematocrit. Poor pasture conditions caused a decrease of plasma components such as haematocrit, total protein, inorganic phosphate, glucose and urea. The impact of type of feeding by comparing values from animals grazed on natural pasture with those from animals which received concentrates showed significantly higher values of total protein, urea and inorganic phosphate for animals fed with concentrates. Comparison between animals grazed on natural pasture and those which received groundnut hay indicate a significantly higher value of total protein and urea for animals fed with groundnut hay.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / standards*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Proteins / analysis
  • Cattle / blood*
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Hematocrit / veterinary
  • Male
  • Phosphates / blood
  • Senegal
  • Urea / blood

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Proteins
  • Phosphates
  • Urea