Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]
Volume 21(2): 3303 - 3312. Published April, 2014.
Study the use of urea molasses multinutrient block on pica symptom of cattle
Haili Li1, Keling Wang1, Limin Lang1, Yali Lan1, Zihua Hou1, Qi Yang2, Qinfan Li3, Jianhua Wang3
1Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, China.
2Ningxia hui autonomous region livestock workstation, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750001, China.
3College of Animal Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, 712100, China.
Full postal address: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research
Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan,
450002, China.
Tel: +86 13938508693 , fax: +86037165749790 ,
Corresponding author: Haili Li E-mail: haili8693@sina.com
Key words: Urea molasses multinutrient block, Pica, Cattle, Ningnan mountainous.
ABSTRACT
This study discuses the effect use of feeding urea molasses
multinutrient block (UMMB) as an alternative supplements on the pica
symptom of Limousin cattle. Sixty 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 effects on pica symptom of
cattle are reported. Sixty cattle were randomly divided equally into
control and UMMB treatment supplemental groups. Both groups have the
same forage except the treatment group was free access to supplement
with UMMB. The experiment lasted for 30 days. The content of mineral
elements (Se, Zn, Cu, Co, I, Ca, P) in blood in the experiment group
were significantly increased contrast 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 contrast with the
control group (P<0.05). The content of mineral elements （Se, Zn, Cu,
Co）on feather in the experiment group were significantly increased
contrast with control group (P<0.05). According to field observation
and stockowner reflects, 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 coarseness and lacklustre 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 brightness and bushy, and the
cattle was in good condition in the treatment group after feeding UMMB.
However, the hair of the cattle in the control group was sparseness and
dirty. The symptom of pica was all disappeared, which means the UMMB
was an effectively in treated cattle pica. Therefore, the UMMB can be
as an effective way mineral supplement and treatment in cattle pica.
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