Assessment of Trace Metal Contents of Indigenous and Improved Pastures and Their Implications for Livestock in Terms of Seasonal Variations

Abstract

The research was aimed to determine seasonal effects on trace metals levels in soil, forages and blood plasma of animals. The mean cadmium, chromium and copper values in soil samples in different sampling seasons were ranged from 6.97 to 4.10, 0.060 to 0.72 and 3.54to 4.08 mg/kg, respectively, while, in forage samples were between 0.671-0.697, 1.57-2.22 and 6.75-7.06 mg/kg, respectively. Higher Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were observed in blood plasma of young buffaloes during summer season, in dry buffaloes during spring season and in young buffaloes during autumn season, while lower Cd, Cr and Cu contents were noticed in blood plasma of lactating buffaloes in summer season. The highest bio-concentration factor value from soil to forage was determined for Cr while from forage to blood plasma of buffaloes was detected for Cd. The Cd, Cr and Cu correlation of soil with blood plasma were positive for all samples.