Orden et al., 1999. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 12 (3): 422-428

The mineral status of native goats and forage species (Cynodon plectostachyus, Pennisetum purpureum, Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Calopogonium mucunoides, Centrosema pubescens, Leucaena leucocephala, and Mimosa pudica) in lahar affected areas of Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines was determined. Forage and blood samples were taken 6 times between December 1996 and September 1997. Most forage species had low phosphorus, copper and selenium; some had magnesium and zinc levels lower than the critical limit due to the low mineral content and high percolation rate of lahar deposits. Iron and molybdenum were present at high levels. Seasonal variations were only observed in copper, sulfur and iron. Average blood mineral concentration of the animals was above the critical limit, but there were no significant differences between seasons. All the goats had plasma phosphorus and magnesium above critical limits; but 20% had low copper, zinc and selenium, especially during the dry season possibly due to insufficient amount of these elements and excessive molybdenum and iron in most forage. Calcium in forage was high, but 40% of the goats had a low plasma calcium concentration. No clinical signs of mineral deficiencies were observed, but supplemental feeding is recommended as the condition of the pasture in lahar-laden areas is unlikely to improve significantly until 2002.