ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters is widely used in assessing animal health status. Limited information is available on trace element levels and their association with hematological and biochemical parameters in Omani goats suffering from emaciation. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the levels of some trace elements in emaciated Omani goats and their relationship with hematological and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Goats suffering from emaciation and muscular dystrophy (n=18) were compared with healthy goats (n=12). Venous blood samples for the hematological, biochemical, and trace element analysis were collected from the jugular vein. RESULTS: Emaciated goats showed significantly lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and red blood cell counts than the healthy goats. In contrast, the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were higher in emaciated goats than in healthy ones. In addition, emaciated goats showed higher levels of biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total bilirubin but lower levels of albumin than the healthy goats. The results of trace element analysis revealed lower concentrations of zinc, iron, and selenium in serum from emaciated goats than in serum from healthy goats. CONCLUSION: This study identified significant differences in the serum levels of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy and emaciated Omani goats. The identified differences represent valuable diagnostic biomarkers for the evaluation of the health status of Omani goats.
ABSTRACT
In this study, there was investigation of the effect of heavy metals on the fertility of dromedary camels. Fourteen camels at the Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, and 41 infertile dromedaries admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used for semen evaluation during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and blood serum were collected from all males until analysis. Concentrations of three heavy metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] were determined in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate there are differences (P < 0.05 - P < 0.01) in pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormalities between the fertile and infertile male camels. In seminal plasma, there were marked differences (P < 0.01- P < 0.0001) between the control and infertile male camels in As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. In serum, there were differences (P < 0.01 - P < 0.001) between the fertile and infertile camels in serum As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.77 and r = 0.94, respectively) between serum and seminal plasma concentrations of both As and Cd in the infertile dromedaries. In the control group, there was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.70) between seminal plasma concentrations of Cd and percent sperm abnormalities. In conclusion, relatively greater seminal plasma and serum concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb are associated with lesser values for semen quality variables and infertility in dromedary camels.