Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate the mineral status of forages in three
different dairy production zones, Coconut Triangle, Wet Zone, and Dry Zone. Forage
samples were collected from Kotadeniyawa, Udugoda and Seeppukulama
representing the three locations, respectively. The samples were analysed using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine macro and micro minerals.
Levels of Ca, K, Mg and Na in forages were ranged, 0.57-19.9 gram per kilogram dry
matter (gkg-1 DM), 8.03-11.47 gkg-1 DM, 0.65-0.90 gkg-1 DM and 0.01-0.60 gkg-1 DM
respectively. The micro mineral content of tested samples was ranged 21.5-478 mg
Fe kg-1 DM, 18.7-285 mg Mn kg-1 DM, 2.82-103 mg Cu kg-1 DM M, 0.03-0.40 mg Co
kg-1 DM, 0.09-0.25 mg Se kg-1 DM, 15.8-298 mg Zn kg-1 DM and 0.42-2.64 mg Cr kg-1
DM. The results revealed that legumes contain higher levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and
Cu than grasses, while grasses are rich in Zn. The tested mineral contents of forages
from three different zones were significantly different (p<0.05) except Se. Level of
Se in forage varieties showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among three zones
for most tested varieties except in Koronivia grass (Brachiaria humidicola) and
Peuro (Pueraria phaseoloides).
