Cattle lack minerals due to poor soil health in TN, says study

Cattle in Tamil Nadu are suffering from mineral deficiency due to falling soil health, which is affecting their milk yield and fertility, a study has found.
Mineral deficiency in cattle in many parts of the state is affecting milk yield and fertility and in the absence of natural fodder there is an urgent need to provide them mineral supplements, the study by Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University said.
It said that about 36.7 per cent, 38.2 per cent, 22.3 per cent and 11.3 per cent of total cropped soils of the state tested were found deficient in zinc, copper, iron and manganese respectively. Thanjavur district is most deficient with respect to zinc, the study said.

It said that Nilgiris and Tirunelveli districts, both are deficient in copper, one possible reason being continuous use of fertilisers and decrease in use of organic manure. Incidentally there is also a shortage of natural manure like cowdung in the state, says S Karmegam, a farm scientist.
The situation is no different in other southern districts like Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Sivaganga, Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Thiruvallur, which recorded low per centrage of phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper and cobalt, it said.
The findings come at a time when desperate farmers in the southern districts, ravaged by the unprecedented drought and lack of fodder for cattle, have resorted to distress sale of the bovines at lesser prices than purchased.

TANUVAS also claimed the mineral supplement being marketed by them and National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIAMP) at a subsidised rate would be on par with natural fodder and keep the animals healthy.

NIAMP, which monitors blood and milk samples from cows and sheep, has claimed to have developed a balanced diet for cattle to ensure they get all vitamins and minerals, says Dr Veerasinnu, a veterinary expert.
It had done enough research to ensure animals get a balanced diet, though government should ensure enough natural fodder for the animals, he said.
Balakrishnan, a dairy owner, says there is a shortage of supply of straw and urged government to take steps to prevent more housing colonies coming up in farmland, which results in erosion of grazing areas.

Separately, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University was also undertaking tests in grazing land to assess mineral and other contents.