Effect of Different Levels of Dietary Cadmium on Hematology, Blood Biochemical, Serum Minerals and Hormones Status in Kids (Capra hircus)

An experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of different levels of dietary cadmium on hematology, blood biochemical parameters, serum minerals and hormones in kids. Twenty four male kids (3–4 months old, 9.1 kg BW) were stratified by their body weight and randomly assigned to four different treatments and fed a total mixed ration comprised of wheat straw and concentrate mixture for 120 days. In addition, diet of kids in group I, II, III and IV was added with 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 ppm cadmium as cadmium chloride, respectively. This experimental feeding lasted for 120 days, during which blood samples were collected on day 0, 60 and 120. Hemoglobin content, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte counts were similar (P>0.05) among the four groups, but total leukocyte count was significantly (P<0.05) higher in all the cadmium added groups. Concentration of glucose, albumin, globulin, A: G ratio, urea and creatinine were similar (P>0.05) among all the groups, but total protein was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group III and IV on day 120. Activity of lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and catalase was statistically similar in four groups, but activity of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase increased significantly (P<0.05) in all cadmium added groups. Concentration of serum hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, insulin) and serum minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper) were similar (P>0.05) in four groups, but concentration of serum cadmium increased with the increasing level of cadmium in the diet. The results indicated that administration of cadmium in the diet even at sub-toxic levels had an adverse effect on the blood biochemical indices of kids as it increased their blood total leucocyte count, serum total protein, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and cadmium concentration.