MINERAL STATUS OF GRAZING PHILIPPINE GOATS I. THE NUTRITION OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM AND PHOSPHORUS OF GOATS IN LUZON ISLAND

Nutritional status of macro minerals (Ca, Mg and P) in goats grazed on the native pasture was investigated for 2 years in Luzon Island, Republic of the Philippines. Three regions in Luzon Island (Los Banos; Southern area, Munoz, Nueva Ecija; Central area and Baguio; Northern area) were objected to collect the samples of forages and blood of goats on the pasture. The average values in Ca, Mg and P contents of all the forage samples were 0.29-1.32, 0.13-0.56 and 0.15-0.45% of dry matter, respectively, and these figures almost exceeded the required dietary levels for sheep. There was no obvious changes in mineral content of forages between the seasons of rainy and dry, or among regions. In blood Ca level, more than a half of goats (57.9%) without supplement showed the level below the lower limit, and the low level was not improved even when they fed with some supplemental concentrates. The plasma levels of Mg and P were satisfactory, referring to the lower limit of normal level in goats. It is, therefore, necessary to decide the requirement and to establish a most suitable technique for supplying Ca to grazing goats in Luzon Island.