Mineral status of soils, forages and cattle in Nicaragua. I. Microminerals

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the micromineral status of cattle in six important cattle-producing regions of Nicaragua. A total of 14 farms within six regions during the wet season and eight farms within two regions during the dry season were evaluated. States in each region were: I (Esteli), II (Leon and Chinandega), III (Managua). IV (Granada and Rivas), V (Boaco and Chontales), and VI (Matagalpa and Jinotega). On each farm, 14 composite soil and forage samples and 30 blood samples (lactating cows, heifers and calves) were collected and analyzed for micromineral concentrations. Soil Mn was different (P ˂ .05) among regions in the wet season. Soil Cu was higher (P