Macromineral status of sheep in the Paramo region of Colombia

Abstract

The macromineral status of pregnant-lactating ewes, lambs, and yearlings on three farms in the Paramo region of the Cordillera Oriental in Colombia was studied. Soil, forage, blood and rib bones were sampled during the end of the rainy season (May–June, 1987) and the middle to end of the following dry season (February, 1988). Season affected ( P<0.05) soil concentrations of Ca, Na, and forage concentrations of Mg, K, P and crude protein. Soil analyses of the three farms showed high concentrations of organic matter (19%) and low pH values (5.0). Magnesium was most deficient in both seasons at 70%, followed by K with 52% of the samples, and P 46%. Sodium was most deficient in forages with 93%, P was only deficient in the dry season (62%), and Mg was 53% deficient. Crude protein was deficient in only 6% of the forage samples. Blood serum analyses showed P deficiency in 59%, and Ca in the dry season at 94%. Bones were 98% deficient in Ca and P. Differences ( P<0.05) among animal classes were found in serum P in both seasons (lambs were higher), in serum Mg in the dry season (lambs were lower), and in bone ash in the rainy season (lambs were lower). Along soil minerals and corresponding forage minerals, only Ca and Mg had positive correlations ( P<0.05, r>0.50) for both seasons. From these analyses it was concluded that the macromineral status of sheep in the Paramo needs supplementation with common salt, Ca, P and Mg.