Evaluation of Livestock Water for Macro and Micro Minerals in Selected Sites of the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was undertaken to evaluate the status of PH and mineral concentration of livestock water. Water samples were collected from  three locations of the central highlands of Ethiopia: Holetta, Akaki and Ambo. Samples were analyzed for macro minerals (Na, Ca, K, Mg)  and micro minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn). The analysis was investogated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). There is variation in  PH and mineral concentration of in water across and within a given location. As compared to Holetta and Ambo, livestock water in Akaki  has the lowest PH (6.77) and the highest mineral concentration (32.22 ppm). Extreme minimum and maximum concentrations of minerals  ranging from 0- 160 ppm were recorded. Zero value for some elements implies they become below the detection limit. PH  values ranging 3.93 to 9.95, 7.37 to 8.45 and 7.21to 8.01were recorded in Akaki, Ambo and Holetta respectively. The concentrations of  macro minerals of water were found higher than the micro minerals. Regardless of the study location, the concentration of macro  minerals were found in the order of calcium 26.43 ppm > sodium 24.68 ppm > potassium 19.84 ppm > magnesium 6.59 ppm. With regard  to the micro minerals, they were found in the order of iron 31.93 ppm > manganese 10.26 ppm > zinc 0.29 ppm > copper 0.13 ppm. The  highest concentration of macro minerals recorded in Akaki, Ambo and Holetta were calcium (69.02 ppm), potassium (31.82 ppm) and  sodium (9.35 ppm) respectively. The highest concentration of micro minerals recorded in Akaki, Ambo and Holetta were iron (89.95 ppm),  manganese (9.20 ppm) and manganese (0.83 ppm) respectively. In general, mineral content of livestock water have their own  contribution to the daily mineral requirements of cattle. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc and copper were found  within the acceptable range. Whereas the concentrations of potassium in Akaki and Ambo (31.82 and 26.91 ppm), iron in Akaki, Ambo and  Holetta (89.95, 5.5 and 0.33 ppm) and manganese in Akaki, Ambo and Holetta (20.76, 3.87 and 0.83 ppm) respectively were found  beyond the acceptable level. Therefore, for an intervention to be implemented with mineral supplementation to livestock species, the  mineral concentration of livestock water in certain location should be taken in to consideration. To overcome the excessive concentration  of potassium, iron and manganese in water an adjustment targeting to the problematic element is required during feed formulation.