Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Verster, R.S., Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Lead is one of the most frequently observed heavy metal toxicoses in domestic animals, especially cattle. The objective of the study was to test the effect of calcium carbonate and zinc sulphate on the absorption of lead acetate in cows, when the lead and minerals were both administered orally. In study 1, experimental cows were dosed with lead acetate at 2 mg/kg plus calcium carbonate at 50 mg/kg, while control cows received only lead acetate at 2 mg/kg. During study 2, experimental steers received zinc sulphate at.2 mg/kg and lead acetate at 2 mg/kg, while the control steers received lead acetate at 2 mg/kg. Blood samples were taken in heparin tubes from the jugular vein at 0, 3 and 6 hours post-dosing. Blood lead concentrations were then determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, using the graphite furnace method. The results indicated that both minerals decreased the absorption of lead acetate in cows after 3 hours and the effect was sustained at 6 hours. The recommendation to farmers is to provide supplementary minerals to animals in areas with high risk of lead poisoning.