Effects of Natural Mineral Soils on Body Weight and Liver Minerals of Black Head Somali Sheep in Ethiopia

Abstract

The effects of different mineral soils on body weight and liver mineral concentration were investigated using 48 Black Head Somali Sheep in Jijiga Somali region, Ethiopia. The soil samples collected from 4 different sites were compared with a complete mineral mix and a control non supplement treatment. Chemical composition of the soils indicated that they all are alkaline. Arabi, Jair and Hermokale soils from different localities had adequate amount of Ca, K and Mg whereas Mn, Fe and Zn were below the recommended standard by 76 to 95%, 87 to 97% and 68 to 88%, respectively. The mean daily mineral intakes of sheep supplemented with Jair, Hermokale, Arabi and Bole soil were 18.14, 16.51,16.02 and 11.86 grams/sheep/day, respectively. No significant differences were observed in mineral intake among Jair, Arabi and Hermokale groups. When compared to other treatment the daily weight gain (mean 74.79 g), and total weight gain (mean 8.98 kg) were recorded highest (p<0.05) for sheep fed on complete mineral mixture. Based on liver analysis sheep in the study area did not suffer from Mn, Cu and Zn deficiencies. However, concentration of sheep fed on complete mineral mixture was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Ca and Fe concentration when compared to those from the non supplemental animals. With the exception of Mg, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in liver minerals of sheep provided with different mineral soils. Liver Mg in sheep from Bole treatment group was significantly different when compared to those receiving Jair, Hermokale and Arabi soils. In addition, when compared to animals fed on different minerals soils, mineral concentration in the liver of sheep fed Bole soil was lower (p>0.05) in Mn (5.49 ppm) and Zn (92 ppm) than those from the other groups.