Abstract
ABSTRACT. Marques A.P.L., Botteon R. de C.C.M., de Amorim E.B., Botteon P. de T.L. & Santelli R.E. [Mineral profile of cattle in the region of the Middle Paraiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. Perfil mineral de bovinos da região do Médio Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 35(4):311-317, 2013. Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465, km 07, Seropédica, 23851-900, RJ, Brasil. E-mail: marquesapl@ufrrj.br In the state of Rio de Janeiro, studies conducted over many years show copper deficiency as the most common, and also show low values of cobalt and zinc in biological samples from cattle. In 2009 a survey was made of the probable mineral deficiencies in the Middle Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through visits to twenty farms and interviews with farmers, there was an initial diagnosis of the problem. At this stage the manifestations reported by the owners interviewed and highlighted in situ suggested the deficiencies of phosphorus, cobalt, zinc, sodium and copper, and were shown demonstrations of the nonspecific signs (abortions, retention of fetal membranes , and stunted growth of calves). In seven properties in which animals manifesting signs of mineral deficiency blood samples were collected to obtain serum of cattle (cows and calves) in two periods: May / June (winter in the region) and November / December (spring in the region .) Serum levels of minerals Mg, Fe and Mn were normal in both seasons in all samples analyzed. Ca, Na, K, Co, Cu and Zn were reduced and P stood with values above those considered physiological. Cows compared to calves had lower serum K and Zn and, in relation to the seasons, the serum levels of Co, Fe and Mn were lower at the beginning of the rainy season while Mg and K had the lowest values in early dry season.