Abstract
Seasonality effects on the mineral profile of goats were evaluated. Fifty males were divided into two groups, one with mineral supplementation and one control. Seasonal evaluation was conducted during four periods: beginning, middle, and end of the dry period and middle of the rainy period. Rib and liver biopsies were performed, and blood was collected at each period to evaluate mineral accumulation. Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn, and Co concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after acid digestion. Normal Ca, P, and Mo; low Cu, Zn, and Co; and high Fe levels were observed in the diet. The young animals analyzed showed normal serum and bone Ca and P concentrations, suggesting no need for supplementation throughout the entire year under the conditions of this study. Iron showed high values throughout the year, being potentially dangerous especially owing to its antagonistic relationship with other elements. Cu and Zn deficiency in the diet was observed under the conditions of this study, requiring supplementation with values higher than those contained in the mineral supplement used in the middle and end of the dry period. The supply of specific mineral supplement formulated for animals farmed in the semiarid region is suggested and would reduce costs.
Highlights
Goat farming is a global activity, with Brazil having approximately 9.3 million heads of which more than 90% is concentrated in the northeast region [1]
Forage production in the Caatinga is strongly influenced by seasonality, with higher production in the rainy season and deficiency in the drought period, which markedly changes the chemical composition and quality of these plants [3]
In an extensive breeding system, mineral deficiency is one of the most harmful limitations, mainly as it affects the productive and reproductive performance of the animals [5]. This deficiency can vary from mild to severe and presents more or less characteristic clinical signs, which can be detected through analysis of the mineral profile of the animals to show which minerals are deficient and when to supplement them [6]
Summary
Goat farming is a global activity, with Brazil having approximately 9.3 million heads of which more than 90% is concentrated in the northeast region [1] In this region, the Caatinga biome predominates in 60% of the area, with semiarid climate (low humidity and rainfall) and xerophilous vegetation consisting of small shrub and tree species, commonly deciduous and with thorns [2]. In an extensive breeding system, mineral deficiency is one of the most harmful limitations, mainly as it affects the productive and reproductive performance of the animals [5] This deficiency can vary from mild to severe and presents more or less characteristic clinical signs, which can be detected through analysis of the mineral profile of the animals to show which minerals are deficient and when to supplement them [6]. The analysis of mineral levels in body fluids and tissues like the serum, liver, and bone assists in the accurate deduction of the occurrence of mineral deficiencies using a small sample size [7]
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