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 years and > 3.5 years. The samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations (mg/kg) were 1.160, 47.681 and 0.051 respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of age and sex on the concentrations of Pb, Fe and Cd. The study found the presence of heavy metals 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 the metals recorded could be as a result of prolong use of inorganic agricultural products and likely irregation 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 replace with organic methods, industrial activities close to pasture yards should be avoided. Sources of irrigation water should be free from heavy metals contamination.
Key words: Holstein-Friesian, Blood, Cd, Fe,Pb and Nigeria
|