Tracing the mineral from the soil to the plant to the animal blood part II. Effect of unlimed and limed grass on the chemical composition of goats' blood

Abstract

This paper reports spectrophotometric methods and transmittance-concentration curves for hemoglobin and iron in blood and phosphorus in blood serum and a photocolorimeter method and curve for calcium in blood serum. Fifteen cross-bred virgin female goats were randomized in groups of five and fed according to three treatments: unlimed grass, limed grass, and limed grass plus manganese per os. Amounts of grass fed to each animal and their monthly weights were recorded for a one-month prefeeding period, a two month pre-gestation period, and a six-month gestation period. Blood samples were also drawn monthly from each animal for determination of hemoglobin, iron, hematocrits, red blood cells and white blood cells in blood, and calcium and phosphorus in blood serum.