Toxicological pathology of water salinity in bullocks slaughtered in saline water area of Western Vidarbha region

The present study was carried out to investigate the possible effect of saline water in terms of hematobiochemical and histopathological observations in bullocks. Ground water, blood and tissue samples from bullocks slaughtered in saline water tract of Amravati, Akola and Buldhana district of Maharashtra were collected randomly and analyzed by standard methods. The analysis of water samples showed great variation in TDS with high sodium and chloride content with alkalinity. The PCV, TEC and MCHC values of bullock slaughtered in saline water area and in normal water area differed significantly, however other hematological parameters did not reveal significant differences. The significant increase in serum AST and creatinine along with decreased serum total proteins and albumin levels suggested possible adverse effect of saline water on liver and kidney functions. Serum electrolyte did not show significant difference. Histopathological examination showed mild to extensive granular and vacuolar changes in the hepatocytes with focal areas of necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia; kidney showed degenerative changes in tubules and loss of glomerular parenchyma and rumen showed decrease length of papillae in bullocks slaughtered in saline water area. It was thus concluded that water salinity adversely affect the health status of bullock in saline water tract of Purna river valley.