Assessing of Heavy Metals in Serum of Barki Sheep in Rainfed Area at Matrouh Governorate

The present study was conducted to determine serum concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) of Barki sheep reared in the rainfed area at Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. Forty apparently healthy Barki sheep (2-4 years of age) were randomly selected from Marsa Matrouh and El Negaila farms (twenty each) for this study. In addition to twenty healthy Barki sheep aged 2-4 years, obtained from Borg El Arab farm, represented as control. Animals classified into 3 groups according to water source: Borg El Arab as control (Tap water); Matrouh (Rainfall water); El Negaila (Rainfall Water). Water and serum samples were prepared for the detection and estimation of selected metals by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Metal analysis revealed that Pb levels in different water samples were recorded above the EWQS of 0.01 ppm in following: El Negaila > Matrouh > control, Cd levels were recorded in El Negaila (RW) and Matrouh (RW) above recommended limit of 0.003, Se levels were recorded above maximum limit EWQS of 0.01 ppm in control (TW) followed by El Negaila and Matrouh however the levels of Cu, Zn, and Fe from the surveyed areas were below EWQS limits. Serum mineral analysis, Pb level was significantly increased only in examined sheep of El Negaila, Cd levels were higher in examined sheep of El Negaila and Matrouh however, Cu, Zn, and Fe levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Conclusion: water analysis showed that Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were within the levels recommended by EWQS except for Pb, Cd and Se levels which need more attention. Serum analysis revealed high levels of Pb, Cd, and Se however deficient to marginal levels of Zn and Cu were detected in examined sheep. These results should provide a database for the mineral status of Barki sheep and their drinking water quality in Matrouh and El Negaila as well as evaluate environmental pollution status in this area.