Heavy metals status of street roaming ruminants in north western Nigeria

Abstract

Some elemental status of street roaming ruminants from North Western Nigeria was investigated in this study in order to assess the possible implications of toxic metals exposure to humans. Blood samples were collected from of 170 animals (43 Cattle, 54 Goats and 73 Sheep) aged one to three years. The metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) levels were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (Alpha Star Model 4, Chem Tech Analytical) after acid digestion. The results showed that heavy metals concentration in cow blood ranged from 1.53+1.20 to
29.92+2.60 mg/L, goats from 3.11+0.02 to 17.57+0.05 mg/L and in sheep it was from 0.89+1.05 to 23.13+0.07 mg/L. Concentrations of heavy metals were in the order Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Mn>Ni>Cd. Higher levels of some toxic metals in the animal’s blood may be a cause for concern as it may lead to disease in the animals or may be transferred to humans
through food chain. This investigation has provided a base line data for North Western Nigeria. Therefore, government should urgently encourage animal farming rather than allowing animals to roam the street.

Keywords: Ruminants, blood, cattle, goats, sheep, heavy metals