Sources and Levels of Trace Elements Influence Some Blood Parameters in Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves

Sources of supplemental minerals in the diet of animals are of important significance. Bio-availability of organic sources is believed to be more in the body as compared to regularly used inorganic sources and hence environment-friendly due to reduced mineral excretion, which in turn reduces their requirements in the diet as well. Twenty-four male Murrah buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) calves (about 18–20 months of age and 318.54 ± 8.85 kg body weight) were divided randomly into four groups of six animals each. In the control group (C, InOrg100) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) were supplemented through an inorganic source, while in treatment groups, organic source at the rate of 50, 75, or 100% (in groups T1 (Org50), T2 (Org75), and T3 (Org100), respectively) was fed at level as supplemented in the control group. Feeding was continued for a period of 180 days with blood sampling at day 0 followed by a regular interval of 45 days. Plasma samples were analyzed for trace elements Cu, Mn, Zn, and iron (Fe), total antioxidant status, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with cell-mediated and humoral immune response. Plasma levels of different trace minerals like Fe, Mn, and Cu remained unaffected with two sources and different levels of organic minerals, except the level of Zn, which showed higher ( P