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

Abstract

Mineral deficiencies or mineral excess affect livestock production in most regions of the world. For this reason, it is importantto know the mineral contents of forages used in animal feeding. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), which has become a populargrain crop around the world in recent years, is used as forage in animal feeding. This study was carried out to determine the contents ofmacro- and microminerals and mineral balance in 9 different quinoa varieties. The results of the study indicated that mineral contentsof 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 therequirements of beef cattle. In contrast, sulfur is insufficient in all varieties. The contents of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium showdeficiencies in some varieties. Although there is usually no risk of tetany (K/Ca + Mg) and milk fever (Ca/P) in quinoa forage, thesemineral imbalances may be observed depending on variety