Profile of Some Trace Elements in the Liver of Camels, Sheep, and Goats in the Sudan

Abstract

One hundred camels (Camelus dromedaries) and fifty sheep and goats being adult, male, and apparently healthy field animals were studied to provide data regarding the normal values of some hepatic trace elements. Liver samples were collected during postmortem examination, digested, and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, and Mn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the differences in mean liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Co between camels, sheep, and goats were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Hepatic Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were higher in camels than in sheep and goats. All liver samples were adequate for Fe and Co, whereas only camel liver was adequate for Cu. In camels, hepatic Zn concentration was inadequately lower than that in sheep and goats. No difference in Mn concentration was detected between camels, sheep, and goats. All liver samples were inadequate compared to free-ranging herbivores. In camels, significant correlation (r 2 = −0.207, P value = 0.04) was detected between Zn and Co, whereas in sheep significant correlation (r 2 = −0.444, P value = 0.026) was detected between Zn and Mn. No significant correlation between trace elements was detected in goats.

Heavy Metals Levels in Soil, Water and Feed and Relation to Slaughtered Camels’ Tissues (Camelus dromedarius) from Five Districts in Saudi Arabia during Spring

“…This gives an indication of the pollution in this district. The Co levels found in the liver samples from the central district were higher than those reported by Ibrahim et al [ 3 ] (1.87 ± 0.35 ppm) and Bakhiet et al [ 28 ] (2.20 mg/g), but they were within the range given by Ibrahim et al [ 3 ] and Bakhiet et al [ 28 ] for liver samples from the eastern district. In contrast, the Co concentration in liver samples from the western districts (2.461 µg/g) was lower than that reported by Al-perkhdri [ 23 ] in livers of camels (5.320 ppm) from central Kirkuk during spring and summer seasons.…”

“…Unlike sheep and goats, camels eat more forage trees than grasses, which are generally richer in Co. This could be associated with the requirement of ruminants for essential elements such as Co for the synthesis of vitamin B 12 [ 3 ].…”

“…One of the biggest problems at the environmental level at present is the contamination of the world’s water sources, soil and plant resources by heavy metals, as these are considered a serious problem for the global population [ 3 , 4 ]. The concentration of these metals is due to various anthropogenic activities that also increase the potentially harmful impacts on various ecosystems and the environment, causing serious problems at the economic level both locally and nationally [ 5 ].…”

Regional and Seasonal Variability of Mineral Patterns in Some Organs of Slaughtered One-Humped Camels [Camelus dromedarius] from Saudi Arabia

“…In the literature, liver cobalt varied considerably according to authors [all data converted into µg/g for a better comparison]: 0.057–0.063 [ 59 ], 0.68 ± 0.21 [ 7 , 37 ], 0.81–0.89 [ 56 ], 0.6–2.0 [ 37 ], 1.87 ±0.35 [ 60 ], 2.0 [ 37 ], and 2.46–3.93 according to supplementation status [ 34 ]. Thus, the pattern L3 appeared considerably high in cobalt.…”

Investigation of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of emaciated Omani goats

“…They also have a high survival ability even under severe environmental conditions [ 2 ]. Trace elements are vital factors involved in several biological functions, including cell metabolism maintenance, energy production, collagen formation, oxygen transportation, hormone production, enzyme activity, and vitamin synthesis [ 3 - 5 ]. An increase or decrease in trace element levels is usually associated with several detrimental effects, including abnormalities in metabolic, hormonal, immunological, and reproductive functions [ 4 ].…”