Effects of cadmium on performance and some serum biochemical parameters of Mehraban male lambs

Soil pollution and accumulation of heavy metals in plants and crops in industrial areas is one of the most important environmental threats for plants, animals and humans’ life. Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous heavy metal with a long biological half-life and low rate of elimination from the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long term cadmium uptake on performance and several serum biochemical parameters in lambs fed on a growing diet.
Ten male Mehraban lambs of 8-9 months old were randomly assigned to two dietary groups as control (basal diet) and treatment (basal diet 100 mg Cd/kg DM as CdCl2). The lambs were fed twice daily at early morning and evening, and blood samples were collected from jugular vein on days 0, 35 and 70 before morning feeding using vacutainer tubes. Sample sera were separated and stored at -20°c until analysed. The serum biochemical parameters including Cd, urea nitrogen (SUN), creatinine, sodium, total protein (TP), albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its bone specific isoenzyme (BALP) were measured. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed by an auto-analyzer using correspondences Pars Azmoon kit according manufacturer manuals. Sodium was measured using flame photometry method. Statistical analysis was carried out using Duncan's multiple range tests.
Average daily weight gain and dry matter intake were lower in the Cd group (P The results of this study showed that ingestion of Cd at level of 100 mg /kg DM has not been considerable toxic effect on growing lambs during 70 days.