Mineral deficiencies in grazing dairy cattle in Kordofan and Darfur regions in western Sudan

The seasonal changes in mineral profiles in serum of grazing dairy cattle and the concentrations of nutrients available from forages were determined in western Sudan. Blood samples were collected seasonally from dairy cows, Kenana and Botana breeds, in 6 locations in Kordofan and Darfur. Data were analysed as a split-plot design with repeated measures. The results indicated there were significant seasonal changes in concentrations of P, Cu and K, Ca, Mg, Na, Co, and Zn in blood serum of grazing cows. Concentrations of P, Ca and Na in serum were lowest during the late dry season (4.5 mg/dl, 8.21 mg/dl and 129 mEq/L respectively), while concentrations of Cu, deficient throughout the year, were lowest during the rainy season (0.35 µg/ml). The interaction of location×season was significant for serum P, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, Co and K. Kenana cattle had lower Zn in serum (0.96 µg/ml) than Botana cattle (1.13 µg/ml). During the dry season, forages had very low CP (3.5±0.5%), high neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (67.5±1.8%) and high acid detergent (ADF) (38.5±1.2%) content. Calcium, P and Na levels in forages were deficient during the dry season (0.38±0.03%, 0.08±0.03% and 0.047±0.01% respectively). Copper also was deficient in forages during the dry season, but adequate during the mid-rainy season (3.0±2.4 and 26.1±1.5 mg/kg respectively). In conclusion, the low Cu concentration in sera of cattle indicated a possible nutritional deficiency throughout the year, while P, Ca, and Na were low in sera during the late dry season. Thus, seasonal deficiencies of minerals may affect productivity of cattle in the Kordofan and Darfur regions of Sudan.     

The blood composition of different breeds of bulls undergoing beef performance tests

Blood samples taken on three occasions from each of 66 bulls undergoing beef performance tests were analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin, serum albumin, urea nitrogen, total protein, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe and total iron binding capacity. The bulls were individually fed and situated at two centres, one accommodating Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds and the other, Hereford. Significant differences between the Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds were observed in concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen, total iron binding capacity (P less than 0.001), Ca (P less than 0.01), Na and Cu (P less than 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the growth rates of individual bulls and their blood composition.     

Concentrations of macro- and micro-elements in the milk of pasture-fed thoroughbred mares

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations of milk during the lactation in pasture-fed Thoroughbred mares and then calculate the dietary mineral requirements of the sucking foal and the lactating mare. PROCEDURE: Milk was sampled on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and at various times between 55 to 65, 85 to 95 and 135 to 150 days after parturition from 21 pasture-fed mares. The concentrations of macro- and micro-elements in the milk were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. RESULTS: Concentrations (mg/L) of these elements were highest in colostrum (Mg 302, Na 561, K 955, S 1035, Cu 0.76, Fe 0.79 and Zn 5.5) except for Ca (1245) and P (895), which where highest on day 7. The mean milk mineral element concentrations (mg/L) over days 55 to 150 were Ca 843, P 543, Mg 47, Na 120, K 590, S 219, Cu 0.19, Fe 0.34 and Zn 2.1. The mean plasma element concentrations (mg/L) over the same period were Ca 120, P 77.1, Mg 17.0, Na 3110, K 168, S 983, Cu 1.1, Fe 1.5 and Zn 0.49. Concentration gradients between plasma and milk were observed and, in the case of Ca, P, Mg, K and Zn, their concentrations in milk were greater than those in plasma, while a reverse situation was observed for Na, S, Cu and Fe. CONCLUSION: With the exception of Ca and P, the highest concentrations of mineral elements were observed in the colostrum. The nursing foal should have access to good pasture or creep feed, because the intakes of Ca, P and Cu from milk may be less than optimum to meet the daily mineral element requirements.     

Composition and Nutrient Deficiencies of Arkansas Forages for Beef Cattle

A database was compiled to determine the nutrient composition, variability, and nutrient deficiencies of 11,592 forage samples (10,246 hay, 1,001 pasture, and 345 silage) collected from 1985 to 1999. Samples were analyzed for 1 to 15 nutrients: DM, N, ADF, NDF, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Se. Mean (±SD) CP and TDN levels (% DM) of bermudagrass, fescue, and mixed grass (blends of bermudagrass, fescue, orchardgrass, ryegrass, and cheat) hays were 12.4 ± 3.5, 60.0± 6.2; 11.2± 3.0, 53.8± 4.7; and 11.1 ± 3.1, 52.9± 4.7, respectively. For beef cows and calves, TDN was deficient in a greater percentage of hays (P < 0.05) than was CP. Bermudagrass hays contained greater levels of CP and TDN than fescue or mixed grass hays (P < 0.05). Fescue and mixed grass hays did not differ (P > 0.05) in CP, ADF, NDF, or TDN concentrations. Only 6 to 10% of the hays analyzed for Na contained adequate levels for beef cows and calves. Selenium, Cu, and Zn were deficient in 62, 52, and 41% of the hay samples, respectively. For lactating beef cows, a lesser percentage of the hays were deficient in P (16%), Ca (7%), Mg (30%), and S (8%). Iron, Mn, and K were deficient in 2% or less of the hays. Bermudagrass, corn, and sorghum-sudan silages contained greater (P < 0.05) levels of TDN than silages composed of fescue, mixed grass, ryegrass, sorghum silage types, or wheat. With the exception of bluestems and orchardgrass, the pasture samples contained greater concentrations of CP and TDN than the same forage species harvested as hay. In general, forages were highly variable in nutrient content, and most hays were deficient in one or more nutrients for beef cattle.     

Nutrient balance in the diet of spring calving, pasture-fed dairy cows

AIMS: To report the nutrient composition of pastures fed to spring-calving dairy cows in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, and describe changes in the nutrient composition of these pastures over a 12-month period. Having done this we sought to: (1) compare the nutrient composition of the pasture offered with the nutrient requirements of spring-calving dairy cows; (2) identify periods when individual nutrient surpluses and deficits are likely; and, (3) identify nutrients that demonstrate a high level of variability between sampling occasions. METHODS: Seven farms took part in the study. Each farm was visited monthly from August 1996 to July 1997. Samples of pasture were taken at each visit and submitted for estimation of dry matter (DM), metabolisable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), non-structural carbohydrate (NSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and dietary cation-anion differences (DCAD). RESULTS: Sampled pastures were characterised by low to marginal ME, NSC, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations when compared with recommended dietary nutrient concentrations for lactating and non-lactating dairy cattle in New Zealand. Analyses revealed relatively high CP, NDF and K concentrations, and DCAD. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses identify broad trends in the nutrient balance of a pasture-only feeding regime and provide a useful reference for planning feed strategies for spring-calving, pasture-fed dairy herds in this region. Recommended changes to on-farm practice should be made after considering the whole farm system, rather than being made solely on the basis of perceived deficiencies or excesses of individual nutrients.     

A genetic analysis of the concentrations of blood metabolites and their relationships with age and liveweight gain in young British Friesian bulls

Blood samples were taken from 428 young British Friesian bulls, the sons of 72 sires, between 3 and 15 months of age. The concentrations of blood glucose and haemoglobin and serum cholesterol, urea, albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, Na, K and Cu were measured and correlated with age and growth rate.Most of the constituents showed highly significant but small changes in concentration with age. The largest changes occurred in the concentrations of urea, albumin and haemoglobin which increased as bulls reached maturity. The concentrations of urea, albumin and globulin were also lower and concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, Ca and K higher than usually occur in older cattle.Highest estimates of heritability, based on the mean of 3 samples, were for K and globulin (> 0.6) and for haemoglobin, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, Cu and glucose (0.4–0.6). Phenotypic correlations between 0.2 and 0.4 occurred with growth rate for albumin and glucose between 24 and 35 weeks and with body weight for albumin between 27 and 50 weeks of age; however, the phenotypic correlations with average growth rate up to 53 weeks were only 0.15 and 0.07 for albumin and glucose, respectively. Genetic correlations with growth rate were also determined, but standard errors were large.     

Étude Biochimique des Sécrétions Génitales de Femelles Bovines Infécondes qui Présentent des Cycles Oestrals Normaux

Exocervical samplings of 57 cows' genital secretions (30 normal reproducing and 27 repeat breeder cows) were studied during estrus. An attempt has been made to detect the following electrolytes: A1, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn in these secretions. Ca, K, Mg and Na were found. No significant difference is noted in the Ca, K and Mg concentration (P>0.05) between the two groups, whereas a highly significant difference (P<0.001) in exocervical Na concentration has been measured between these groups.     

贵州典型地区放牧肉山羊营养状况调查

贵州典型地区比较适宜于山羊的养殖。通过对放牧肉山羊营养状况的初步调查发现,肉山羊的蛋白质营养水平偏低;在矿物质方面,存在钠的不足,铁、铜处于临界状态,钙、镁、硒、锰、锌则不缺乏。对于快速生长的幼山羊和泌乳母羊也应注意钙的补充。     

奶牛蹄叶炎与血浆中矿物元素含量的相关性分析

采集15头健康奶牛和36头蹄叶炎患病奶牛血浆样品,检测其Fe、Zn、Cu微量元素和Mg、Ca、P常量元素的含量及钙磷比,结果表明：2组间Fe、Cu、Mg、Ca和P矿物元素含量及钙磷比无显著性差异（P〉0.05）,患病牛Zn含量却显著低于健康牛（P〈0.05）。因此,奶牛血浆中Zn含量与蹄叶炎发病显著相关,Zn含量可能会作为蹄叶炎发病的监测指标,也可用于奶牛蹄叶炎的早期诊断和防治。     

Content and distribution of macro- and micro-elements in the body of pasture-fed young horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content and distribution of Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in the body of pasture-fed young horses and then use a factorial model to calculate the dietary mineral requirements for growth. PROCEDURE: Twenty-one foals were killed at about 150 days of age and the organs, soft tissues, skin and bones and a sample of muscle were dissected out and weighted. The mineral concentrations of elements in all soft tissues and bones were measured by inductively coupled emission spectrometry. The total mineral element composition associated with a tissue was determined from the weight of tissue and its mineral element concentration. RESULTS: Expressed as a percent of total body mineral elements, muscle contained 20% Na, 78% K, 32% Mg, 62% Cu, 36% Mn and 57% Zn, bone contained 47% Na, 99% Ca, 81% P, 62% Mg, 30% Mn and 28% Zn while the organs accounted for a smaller percentage ranging from 0.06% for Ca to 26% for Fe. In liver Cu accounted for 9.2% of total body Cu. Each kilogram of empty body weight was associated with 1.0 g Na, 2.5 g K, 17.1 g Ca, 10.1 g P, 0.4 g Mg, 1.1 mg Cu, 0.39 mg Mn, 52.5 mg Fe and 21.4 mg Zn. CONCLUSION: The mineral element content of body weight gain is a component used in the factorial model to determine dietary mineral element requirements for growth. The calculated dietary mineral requirements, expressed per kg dry matter, for a 200 kg horse gaining 1.0 kg/day were 1.0 g Na, 2.1 g K, 4.6 g Ca, 3.5 g P, 0.7 g Mg, 4.5 mg Cu and 25 mg Zn.     

Mineral deficiency status of ranging zebu (Bos indicus) cattle around the Gilgel Gibe catchment, Ethiopia

Mineral deficiencies in cattle, widespread in East Africa, impair optimal health and production and consequently place a great burden on the farmers' income. Therefore, detection of shortages and imbalances of specific minerals is essential. Our objective was to evaluate the mineral status of grazing cattle around the Gilgel Gibe catchment in Ethiopia and associated factors. In study I, individual animal plasma and herd faecal Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations were determined in adult zebu cattle (Bos indicus; n?=?90) grazing at three altitudes around the catchment, whilst recording body condition score and sex. In study II, liver samples of adult male zebu cattle (n?=?53) were analysed for Cu, Zn, Fe, Se and Mo concentrations and inspected for parasitic infections. Plasma and liver analyses revealed a Cu deficiency problem in the area, since 68 and 47 % of cattle, respectively, were Cu deprived according to diagnostic criteria for Bos taurus cattle. High hepatic Mo concentrations in 17 % of cases might reflect excessive dietary Mo intake. Liver Se and plasma Na concentrations were too low in 92 and 80 % of cattle. Plasma Mn concentrations were largely below the detection limit. Plasma Cu as well as Ca concentrations were lower in the lowest altitude compared to the highest altitude group (P?<?0.05), whereas lean to medium cattle had lower plasma Cu concentrations (P?<?0.05). No differences in hepatic mineral concentrations were detected between cattle with different types of parasitic infection. In conclusion, bovine mineral deficiencies were present in the Gilgel Gibe area and were associated with grazing altitude and body condition score.     

Blood metabolites and their relationship with production variables in dual-purpose cows in Venezuela

A survey was carried out on 79 lactating Bos taurus/indicus cross-bred cows on three dual-purpose cattle farms to measure the blood concentration of metabolites and to evaluate possible relationships with nutritional status and productive variables. A rotational grazing system on Star grass and other tropical pastures (10-12% CP in leaves) was used and 2-3 kg/cow/day of concentrate were fed on two farms. Restricted calf suckling was used in two herds. Average milk yield sold per farm was 6 kg/day/cow and body condition scores (BCS) were between 3.0 and 3.8 on a scale of one-to-five. On two farms, the average interval from calving to conception (ICC) was more than 145 days. Mean blood concentrations of albumin, globulin, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate and phosphorus were generally within reference values, but a significant group of cows had low levels of albumin and urea and high levels of globulin. Packed cell volume (PCV) was below normal values, with anemia in 63% of cows during the second trimester of lactation, which was negatively correlated to milk yield. The high incidence of anemia could be related to factors such as hematophagic parasites, not evaluated in this study. ICC values were negatively related to albumin level and could be associated with protein deficiency in the diet or with disease, as globulin values were high in many cows. Based on these diagnoses, an experiment was carried out on one of the farms to evaluate the influence of supplementation with 0.5 kg/cow/day of fish meal. Total milk yield was not influenced by the fish meal and reproductive efficiency was high in the two supplemental treatments. It was shown that supplementation with undergraded protein is not required in these cows.     

Clinical,haematological and biochemical alterations in heat intolerance (panting) syndrome in Egyptian cattle following natural foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

Clinical signs of heat intolerance (panting) syndrome were observed in Holstein cows in a private farm in Egypt. There were heat intolerance (fever), panting, profuse salivation, hirsutism, lameness and reduced milk production. Blood and serum samples were collected from ten diseased cows and five apparently healthy cows as control. Serological tests confirmed the presence of non-structural protein of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infection. There were significant reductions in the total red blood cell count with increased leucocytic and lymphocytic counts in diseased group compared to control. The serum Na, Cl, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe were significantly reduced but P was increased in diseased animals compared to control. The total protein, albumin, cholesterol and cortisol were significantly reduced but the glucose and malonaldehyde were significantly increased in diseased cows. This was the first report in Egypt to describe the clinical and haemato-biochemical changes in panting syndrome following FMD.     

FAAS法测定羊奶中矿物质元素的含量

采用火焰原子吸收法（FAAS）分别测定羊奶中钾、钙、钠、镁、铁、锌、铜等元素的含量。结果表明,羊奶中钾、钠、镁、钙、铁、锌、铜的含量依次降低,且RSD均小于1．479,6。说明该方法测定羊奶中多种矿物元素的含量简便、灵敏、准确度高。     

Serum and ruminal fluid characteristics of beef cows grazing oat pastures and supplemented with or without lasalocid

Thirty-two mature, pregnant beef cows (avg age 8 yr, body wt 550 kg) grazing oat pastures were used to determine the effects of lasalocid on serum mineral and ruminal fluid volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Cows were blocked by breed type and assigned randomly to eight, 2-ha pastures containing oat forage from December 17, 1985 to May 6, 1986. The cows were fed .25 kg of ground corn with or without 200 mg of lasalocid daily. Based upon analyses of forage mineral composition (.53, .25, .14, .3 and 2.5% of dry matter for Ca, P, Mg, Na and K, respectively), all macrominerals except Mg were in sufficient quantities to meet the requirement for lactating cows. Lasalocid supplementation did not affect serum Mg, K or Zn concentrations (P greater than .05). During the April sampling, serum Ca was higher (P less than .05) and serum Na was lower (P less than .05) in cows supplemented with lasalocid compared with controls. The molar proportion of acetate was decreased (P less than .05) in ruminal fluid of cows fed lasalocid by d 56 (February 11); the molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were decreased (P less than .05), which decreased (P less than .05) the acetate: propionate ratio by d 84 (March 11) of supplementation. This study suggests that lasalocid is effective in altering ruminal VFA and serum mineral concentrations in cows grazing small grain forages.     

Quality of development and adaptation reactions of dairy calves at specific age periods in early life. Effect of rearing variations on proteins and minerals and on metabolic variables of blood

Calves from the dairy herd of the institute reared in groups with changing (Gw, N 16, m 9, w 7) and constant composition (Gk, N 16, m 9, w 7) since the first day of life and single box reared calves (E, N 11, m 7, w 4) were tested at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of age. Venous blood samples were analysed for total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea, glucose, Ca, Mg, P and iron. At 15 days between group differences of mean values existed for total protein, albumin, blood urea, creatinine and at 30 days for rectal temperature, albumin, blood urea, Ca, P and Fe, at 60 days for blood urea, glucose, Ca, Mg, P and at 90 days for total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose, Mg and P. Interactions between group and gender could not be demonstrated. Significant changes of variables with age were most frequent in calves of group Gk, and more frequent with creatinine, blood urea, Fe and glucose. Creatinine concentration diminished permanently with age of the animals, that one of total protein and albumin increased moderately. Blood urea was higher at 90 days, and serum iron at 60 and 90 days than before. Blood glucose concentration at 90 days was lower in calves of group Gw and Gk comparing group E. Significant group differences appeared at 15 days (total protein, albumin, blood urea, creatinine) and remained till 60 days (blood urea) and 90 days (total protein, albumin) or became stronger at 90 days (creatinine). Total protein, albumin and blood urea were higher in group E than in group Gk and Gw calves. Group Gw calves had smallest glucose concentrations at 60 and 90 days. Significant between groups differences for Ca, Mg, P existed for all sampling points, those for serum iron at 30 days only. Greater Ca and Mg values were found in group Gk and group E calves, greater P concentrations up to 60 days of age in group E calves. P concentrations changed differently in group Gk and group Gw calves with age. Creatinine showed moderately high between sampling point correlations. Changes of variables in calves between age points in relation to the starting situation at 15 days of age showed significant correlations in many cases meaning that there were directed individual and time specific adaptation processes.     

Fractional excretion of electrolytes in lactating dairy cows.

Samples of serum and urine were obtained simultaneously from 56 healthy lactating cows to determine ranges of fractional excretion (FE) of calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO4), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl). Samples were obtained at 3 stages of lactation: period 1 = 1 to 7 days, 2 = 83 to 112 days, and 3 = 175 to 197 days. The FE of electrolytes were significantly different among periods 1, 2, and 3 for Ca (P less than 0.001), PO4 (P less than 0.025) and Mg (P less than 0.025), but were not significantly different for Na, K, and Cl. Least squares mean FE of Ca was lowest in period 1 and not significantly different for periods 2 and 3, whereas mean FE values for PO4 and Mg were highest in period 2 and not significantly different for periods 1 and 3. The mean FE values of Na, K, and Cl did not change with stage of lactation. Age and category of milk production (high, medium, and low) did not influence the FE values of the electrolytes.     

绵羊宿营法防除天然草地灌木杂草研究Ⅳ新鲜羊粪尿对土壤和植物矿物质元素含量的影响

新鲜绵羊粪尿对土壤和植物矿物质元素含量影响的试验于 1998年在贵州高原草地试验站进行。结果表明 ,绵羊新鲜粪尿加入土壤后 ,土壤 K呈波浪型升高。 K又显著影响土壤 Ca、Fe和Mn的浓度及土壤 p H值。土壤 Na水平呈下降趋势。土壤中 Ca含量与土壤可交换性亚硝态氮和硝态氮显著相关。土壤 Mg的变化不如其他元素变化明显。土壤 Cu受 Ca、Fe和亚硝态氮及硝态氮的影响显著。土壤 Zn比试验前有所下降 ,其含量与土壤铵态氮和亚硝态氮呈显著负相关 ,而与土壤Na、Mg和 Cu呈显著正相关。土壤 Fe在整个试验过程中呈上升趋势 ,UDT处理几乎呈直线上升。土壤 Mn的变化和土壤 K有显著正相关 ,还与铵态氮相关极显著 (R=0 .80 51,P<0 .0 1)。绵羊新鲜粪尿使植物体内 Fe、Zn水平降低 ,但促进植物 Mn的含量升高 ,而对植物 Cu水平影响最小。结果还表明 ,植物体内 K含量受土壤 Cu和 Na的抑制 ,同时还与植物吸收 Mg、Na和 Fe发生拮抗作用 ,促进了植物 Ca的吸收。植物吸收 Na与土壤 Na的浓度显著相关 ,但受到植物吸收 K、Ca和 Mn的抑制。植物 Ca水平与降雨及植物体内 Fe水平呈显著负相关 ,而与土壤可交换性铵态氮和植物体内 K、Mg含量呈显著正相关。植物体内 Mg含量受土壤可交换性铵态氮和硝态氮的显著影响 ,但受土壤 Ca的抑制     

Soil–plant–animal continuum in relation to macro and micro mineral status of dairy cattle in subtropical hill agro ecosystem

The purpose of the present study was to study the soil–plant–animal continuum in subtropical hilly areas. Soil (n?=?96), fodder (n?=?96), and blood serum samples from dairy cattle (n?=?120) were collected from eight districts of Mizoram, a hilly state in India. The samples were digested using diacid mixture (HNO₃:HClO₄; 10:4) and analyzed for macro (Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K) and micro (Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn) mineral concentrations. The macro and micro mineral concentrations varied among the different districts. The correlation values between fodder and cattle were significant for all the minerals studied except for P and K. The correlation value between fodder and cattle was highly significant (P?<?0.01) for Ca (0.878), Mg (0.88), Cu (0.885), and Zn (0.928). However, such correlations were not observed between the mineral levels in cattle and mineral levels in soil except for Ca (0.782). Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Ca (R ²?=?0.797), Mg (R ²?=?0.777), Zn (R ²?=?0.937), Fe (R ²?=?0.861), and Cu (R ²?=?0.794) had significant R ² values. Further, it is inferred that dairy cattle reared under smallholder production system were deficient in most of the minerals and supplementation of required minerals is essential for optimum production.     

Mineral Status and Interrelationship in Soil,Forage, and Blood Serum of Horses in the Rainy and Dry Seasons

The objective was to evaluate the content of P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, and Mn in soil, forage, and serum of horses in several production units (PU) during rainy and dry seasons and predict their concentration in serum from their content in soil and forage. Soil and pastures were sampled in the dry (November–December) and in rainy seasons (June–July), and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 76 horses in both seasons at four PU. The experimental design was a completely random design within a 4 × 2 (PU × season) factorial arrangement of treatments. Concentration of minerals in soil differed (P < .05) among PU, and contents of P, Ca, Mg, and K were low; Zn and Fe were high; and Cu and Mn were adequate. Mineral concentrations in forage differed among PU and season, and among PU within season (interaction P < .05). Contents of Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, and Cu were low; Fe was high; and P, K, Se, and Mn adequate. The mineral concentration in equine blood serum differed (P < .05) among PU and season. Overall, there were deficiencies of P, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, and Se, but adequate amounts of K, Zn, and Fe. There are imbalances of minerals in soil and forages which effected their concentration inequine blood.