Assessment of mercury toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area
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Date
2000
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Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
Abstract
A detailed study was conducted to assess the extent of mercury toxicity
in cattle of Eloor industrial area. An initial ward-wise survey of cattle population
and interview with farmers to hear the problems faced by them in raising cattle at
Eloor industrial belt were carried out. It was learnt that a total of about 216 cattle
were present and they experienced frequent gastrointestinal disorders and
reproductive disorders along with bone and joint related problems. A detailed case
sheet study for the past five years duration confirmed the same.
Eloor industrial belt was divided into Eloor East, North and South for
the study purpose. Field samples like sludges, water and fodders and Biological
samples like blood, dung, urine and milk of cattle in the study area were collected.
The collected samples were analysed for mercury level in the laboratory, and
compared statistically with those of the control samples collected from University
Livestock Farm (ULF), Mannuthy.
Higher mercury levels were found in all the field and biological
samples. Fodders were suspected to be the main source of mercury to cattle. The
higher but nontoxic level of mercury in the samples could only produce sub chronic
level of toxicity with no definite toxicity symptoms. Mercury levels within the
Eloor East, North and South showed no significant difference.
Further .haematological parameters, serum protein Jevels, creatinine and
BUN levels remained within normal limits with slight changes. The serum enzyme
levels of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Amino Transferase (ASAT),
Alanine Amino Transferase (ALAT) and urine Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels
showed increased levels but the levels were within normal range. These
observations ruled out the absence of severe nephrotoxicity with the present levels
of mercury.
Urine analysis showed no casts or crystals in them, again confirming the
absence of any severe nephrosis in cattle of Eloor area. But higher than normal
mercury levels in all samples may be looked with caution because of its persistent,
bioaccumulative and toxic nature.
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Citation
171718