Macro- and micromineral contents of different quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) varieties used as forage by cattle

Authors: MUSTAFA TAN

Abstract: Mineral deficiencies or mineral excess affect livestock production in most regions of the world. For this reason, it is important to know the mineral contents of forages used in animal feeding. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), which has become a popular grain crop around the world in recent years, is used as forage in animal feeding. This study was carried out to determine the contents of macro- and microminerals and mineral balance in 9 different quinoa varieties. The results of the study indicated that mineral contents of forages show great variation between quinoa varieties. The Cherry Vanilla variety is rich in all minerals except for molybdenum. Potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, and boron concentration in all quinoa varieties are sufficient to meet the requirements of beef cattle. In contrast, sulfur is insufficient in all varieties. The contents of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium show deficiencies in some varieties. Although there is usually no risk of tetany (K/Ca + Mg) and milk fever (Ca/P) in quinoa forage, these mineral imbalances may be observed depending on variety.

Keywords: Forage, mineral content, quinoa, varieties

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