Evaluation of arsenic, cobalt, nickel, lead, mercury, and titanium in goat blood and hair reared in Sicily and insights into blood biomarkers

Statistical analysis showed a significant higher concentration of As (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and Pb (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) in blood compared to hair and higher concentration of Co (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), Ni (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), Hg (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), and Ti (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) in hair compared to blood. Blood As and Ti showed a positive correlation with HGB (<i>r</i> = 0.48; <i>p</i> < 0.01; <i>r</i> = 0.52; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Blood Pb and Ti showed a positive correlation with HCT (<i>r</i> = 0.52; <i>p</i> < 0.01; <i>r</i> = 0.52; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and a negative correlation was observed for blood Co and WBC (<i>r</i> = -0.45; <i>p</i> < 0.01). The analysis of the results clearly indicates a strong correlation between the bioaccumulation of certain trace elements and some haematological parameters. These results should be examined thoroughly in goats to understand the significance of haematological factors in productive and reproductive activities.