Effect of Zinc Supplementation to Lead Exposed Goat Kids on Immunity and Blood Antioxidant Status

Dietary supplementation of zinc to counteract the adverse effect of lead was investigated. Nineteen crossbred (Alpine x Beetal) male goat kids, divided into 3 groups i.e. Group I (Control, 5 kids), Group II (Control + 50 ppm Pb, 7 kids) and Group III (Control + 50 ppm Pb + 50 ppm Zn, 7 kids), were subjected to the dietary treatments. During the experimental period of 90 days, blood samples were collected initially and thereafter at monthly intervals. Hb level was lower (P<0.05) in Group II than in control group but difference between control and Group III was not significant on 90th day of experimental feeding. The SOD and catalase activities declined non-significantly (P>0.05) by Pb supplementation (group II) on 60th and 90th day, which was recovered in group III to the level recorded in control group. Mean FRAP and Ig values on 90th day of dietary treatments decreased (P<0.05) in group II but difference between group III and control was not significant. It may be concluded that supplementation of Zn in the diet of Pb exposed kids had a beneficial effect on oxidative stress and Ig concentration.