Status and Interrelation of Trace Minerals and Steroid Hormones in Heifers
Loading...
Date
2016-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum trace mineral and steroid hormone status in heifers
and to find interrelation among them. Thirty crossbred heifers (Holstein Friesen X local non-descript) were divided into
three groups on the basis of age viz. group A (12-18 months), group B (18-24 months) and group C (24-30 months) and
each group was having ten animals (n=10) each. Serum trace minerals were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry
and steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone) by radio immuno assay. Overall mean±SE of copper, iron,
zinc and manganese in heifers was found to be 0.59±0.20, 1.32±0.57, 0.93±0.38 and 0.18±0.03 ppm respectively. Most
of the trace minerals were in deficient range when compared with critical levels. Overall mean±SE of estrogen and progesterone
in heifers was 18.34±2.28 pg/mL and 0.83±0.21 ng/mL respectively. Copper showed non-significant (p>0.05)
decrease whereas iron showed non-significant (p>0.05) increase with increase in age. Zinc and manganese showed significant
(p<0.05) decrease with age. Serum estrogen significantly (p<0.05) increased with increase in age whereas serum
progesterone decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) with increase in age. Positive and significant (p<0.05) correlations
were noted between most of the trace minerals and steroid hormones. This may be due to involvement of trace minerals in
steroid hormone synthesis through metalloenzymes or cofactors. Hence supplementation of trace minerals can improve
animal health and reproductive efficiency by minimizing mineral deficiency and favouring steroid hormone synthesis.
Description
TNV_JAHP_2016_4(2s)1-4
Keywords
Veterinary Science