Determination of concentration of some heavy metals in the blood of Holstein-Friesian cattle on a farm in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the presence and concentration of some heavy metals in the blood of Holstein-Friesian cattle in a private farm in Nasarawa State Nigeria. Blood samples were obtained from 22 Holstein-Friesian cattle consisting of 21 cows and 1 bull, of ages between 3.5 and >3.5 years. The samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations were 1.160, 47.681 and 0.051 mg/kg, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of age and sex on the concentration of Pb, Fe and Cd. The study found the presence of Pb, Fe and Cd in blood samples collected from Friesian cattle. The FAO/WHO permissible limit of Cd and Pb in blood is 0.5mg/kg. Pb was detected above the maximum limit. The high concentration of these metals recorded could be as a result of prolong use of inorganic agricultural products and likely irrigation water which contaminate the feed. High levels of these metals in Holstein-Friesian can cause decreased milk production, placenta damage, mineral deficiency and respiratory failure among others. Inorganic agriculture should be replaced with organic methods; industrial activities close to pasture yards should be avoided. Sources of irrigation water should be free from heavy metals contamination.

Keywords: Blood, Cadmium, Holstein-Friesian, Iron, Lead, Nigeria