Detection of Selected Heavy Metals and Their Effect on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Values in Naturally Exposed Cattle

Purpose: The present study was conducted in two areas (one clean and one contaminated) of the district of Jhang, Pakistan, to determine the concentration of the possible heavy metals, lead and cadmium, in the blood. For this purpose, two hundred samples were collected, one hundred from each area.Research Method: These samples were analyzed for lead and cadmium using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The haematological parameters packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, Haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, differential leukocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured to evaluate the effect of heavy metals on these parameters. A serological study was also conducted to observe its effects on alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, and creatinine.Findings: The results showed that the mean values of lead were significantly higher (P<0.05) in contaminated areas compared to clean areas, while the cadmium level was below the detection limit. The mean values of red blood cells, total leucocyte count, Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed statistically non-significant differences. The mean values of alanine transaminase were statistically higher in contaminated areas as compared to clean areas, whereas the levels of aspartate transaminase, urea, and creatinine showed non-significant differences in both areas. The presence of lead above permissible levels is alarming from one health point of view, so there is a dire need for legislation to control this transmission of heavy metals to humans and animals.