 | Abstract 113Survey of the mineral status of pastures and small ruminants in the West Region of Cameroon.Njwe,-RM; Kom,-J Department of Animal Science, University Center of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon. Tropicultura. 1988, 6: 4, 150-152; 7 ref. The dominant grass species (Hyparrhenia rufa, Melinis minutiflora, Pennisetum purpureum and Sporobolus africanus) of natural pastures of W. Cameroon were sampled at 60 sites between Sep. and Nov. 1985. The grass samples were analysed for content of 9 elements. Serum was also collected from goats and sheep at the same locations where forages were sampled and analysed for 5 elements. Results showed that P, Mg, Na, Zn and Cu in forages were generally below the critical level to satisfy the requirements of grazing livestock in the tropics. Ca was inadequate in the sera of goats and sheep whereas P, Mg, Zn and Cu were adequate. Use of salt licks to supplement intake of mineral elements from grasses by goats and sheep is necessary in the region. This abstract relates to the following species:
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