Identification of the mineral deficiencies in soils, forages And animal tissues as constraints to cattle production in Mount Elgon region of western kenya

Abstract

A survey was conducted in which one hundred and eighty seven soil (187), 187 forage and nine hundred and twenty three (923) cattle blood samples were collected from thirty two (32) farms representing Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Mt. Elgon districts between April 1994 and October 1999. The soil. forage and blood samples were classified in terms of seasons (wet and dry), in addition forages and blood were categorized according to plant species and age of animals (504 lactating cows aged 24-120 months old and 419 young growing calves aged 2- 14 months old), respectively. In addition, the blood samples were classified in terms of the major animal breeds: Ayrshire, Friesian, Jersey and the African Zebu……….