Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

The use of urea molasses multinutrient block on pica symptom of cattle

Author(s):

Haili Li *, Keling Wang, Limin Lang, Yindi Xu, Qinxian Zhang, Wenhao Zhu, Lixian Zhang, Yi You, Feng Xu, Wan Lu

Recieved Date: 2014-04-22, Accepted Date: 2014-09-19

Abstract:

This study discusses the effect of feeding urea molasses multinutrient block (UMMB) as an alternative supplement on the pica symptom of Limousin cattle. Thirty indigenous pica cattle were chosen from Ningnan mountainous district Guyuan City on the basis of similar bodyweight. The Ningnan mountainous district cattle produce was limited by harsh environments and nutritional factors. Especially the forage quality and availability are affecting nutrient intake. Forage was reduced during winter and early spring of the year. A background of these blocks manufacturing process and their effect on pica symptom of cattle are reported. Sixty cattle were randomly divided equally into control and UMMB treatment supplemental groups. Both groups had the same forage except the treatment group had free access to supplement with UMMB. The experiment lasted for 30 days. The contents of mineral elements (Se, Zn, Cu, Co, I, Ca, P) in blood in the experiment group were significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05) after feeding the UMMB. The activity of ceruloplasmin (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) in the serum of experimental group were significantly increased in contrast with control group (P<0.05). The contents of mineral elements Se, Zn, Cu, Co on feather in the experiment group were significantly increased in contrast with control group (P<0.05). According to field observation and stock owner reflect, the pica symptom was disappeared in the treatment group after feeding UMMB three days, and the intake and drinking have significantly increased. Cattle have the symptom of pica and the hair was coarse and had lack of luster before experiment in the experiment group. The symptom of pica was gradually disappeared and the appearances of cattle were dramatically changed with feeding the UMMB. Furthermore, the colour of hair was bright and bushy, and the cattle was in good condition in the treatment group after feeding UMMB, but the hair of the cattle in the control group was sparse and dirty. The symptoms of pica all disappeared, which means the UMMB was effective in treated cattle pica. Hence, the UMMB can be used as an effective way mineral supplement and treatment in cattle pica.

Keywords:

Urea molasses mltinutrient block, pica, cattle, Ningnan mountainous area

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2014
Volume: 12
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 415-419

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