Journal of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

  • Abbreviation: J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2529
  • DOI: 10.5897/JVMAH
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 413

Article in Press

Some macro and micro-minerals content in milk of desert sheep and goats in South Darfur State, Sudan

Ishraga G. Ibrahim1*, Hajer I. Ishag1, Osman H.1, Amna E. Khallafalla2 and Sahar M. Nasar

  •  Received: 04 February 2016
  •  Accepted: 29 March 2016
This study was aimed to determine the content of some macro-minerals (Ca, P, Na and K) and micro-minerals (Zn, Cu and Mn) in the milk of desert sheep and goat as well as the effect of stage of lactation on mineral composition. Samples were collected from South Darfur State during dry season (November-February) 2011. Two hundred and five milk samples were collected from lactating desert sheep and 250 samples from desert goats, aged from 1 to 4 years and at different stage of lactation, early lactating (7 to 30) days, mid lactating (30 to 60) days and late lactating (>60) days. Concentrations of Ca, Zn and Mn were quantified by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Phonex model 8625). P was measured at 440 nm using spectrophotometer (UV/VIS). Na and K were measured using flame photometer. Analysis revealed that, the average concentration of the minerals in goats' and sheep’s milk is lower in relation to the range reported for goats and sheep. The values reported for the desert goats and sheep were as follows: Ca 1074 ±7.2 and 572±8.85; P 436.12±4.68 and 418.77±5.23; Na 146.05±.3.09 and 756.27±8.99; K 1009.37±7.4 and 1080.69±9.168; Cu 0.043±0.001 and 0.048±0.002; Mn 0.033±0.001 and 0.04±0.004; Zn 0.029±0.001 and 0.047±0.002, respectively. Na, K and Zn were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in sheep than goats, while, Ca and P were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in goats compared to sheep. Stage of lactation had no significant effect on all minerals studied in both species. Although, some minerals Na, K, Zn and Mn concentrations slightly increased in late lactation in the milk of the two species. One can say that, the average concentration of the minerals in desert goat and sheep milk is lower in relation to the range reported for goats and sheep. Mineral supplement may continually be provided to the grazing desert sheep and goats especially in dry season to enhance the mineral status in their milk.

Keywords: Desert goat, desert sheep, milk, mineral, stage of lactation, South Darfur State