Increasing concentration of pollutant elements due to rapid industrialization and urbanization is now a global problem to soil, plant and animal health and affecting 40 % of the world population. Trace minerals of natural feeds is determined primarily by the mineral
composition from the soil and secondly by the actual mineral composition of soil. Widespread deficiencies of Ca, P, Zn and Cu in south
Karnataka, excessive Se and Mo in central part of Punjab, Arsenic in lower Indo-Gangetic plains of West Bengal through ground water are causing much toxicity to animal and humans. Clearly, closely linkage of agriculture to animal health must be accomplished if we are to find sustainable solutions to pollutant element deficiencies and associated diet related chronic disease affecting animal health. The deficiency/toxicity of minerals is an area problem. Although, geogenic trace elements toxicities have also caused wide health problems but higher concentration of pollutant elements in soils may lead to an excessive accumulation of metals by plants grown on such soils and may create animal- human health problems. Dysfunctional food systems are mainly responsible for this global crisis in animal- human health. Much of this malnutrition is the result of insufficient intakes of available trace elements in animal’s diets. There are several ways in which agricultural factors can contribute to improve animal nutrition and health. Importantly, agricultural systems are the foundation upon which all nutrients enter into the animal food chain. Only through linking agricultural systems to animal nutrition can sustainable solutions. In this paper strategies and future thrust areas for research and for corrective measures of trace elements deficiencies and improvement of animal’s health are discussed.
Key words: Pollutant elements, toxicity in soil, plant, livestock, management and future strategies
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