Aim: The present study was
carried out with the objective to estimate the serum mineral status, and
hormonal profile of goats in Kashmir valley.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty female goats (n=30) were selected randomly from three districts (ten from
each district) of Kashmir valley. Serum minerals were estimated by atomic
absorption spectrophotometry and hormones by radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique
using gamma scintillation counter (I125 calibrated), at Nuclear Research
Laboratory, IVRI, Izatnagar.
Results: Mean±SE value of calcium (Ca),
phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) was 10.46±0.76, 5.12±0.31, 2.11±0.24 mg/dl
respectively, whereas copper (Cu,) iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) was
0.548±0.094, 1.548±0.173, 0.864±0.211 and 0.027±0.003ppm, respectively.
Non-significant (p<0.01) difference was found in the serum mineral
concentrations between and within the goat of different districts. Serum mineral
concentrations in goat were in slightly deficient range. Mean±SE value of serum
estrogen (E2) in pg/ml, progesterone (P4), triiodothyronin (T3) and
tetraiodothyronin (T4) in ng/ml of goat was 19.35±0.45, 1.37±0.141, 1.16±0.163
and 31.09±1.15, respectively. Steroid and thyroid hormone levels were towards
the lower side of the normal range. Wide variations were noted in the
correlations between serum minerals and steroid and thyroid hormones indicating
diverse interrelations between minerals and hormones.
Conclusion: Most of
the animals showed deficient serum mineral status. Mineral deficiency affects
hormone status and impairs production potential of animals. Based on these
findings supplementation of mineral to goat of Kashmir valley is imperative.
Keywords: goat, hormones, Kashmir valley, minerals
