title: Lead and trace element levels in milk and blood of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Hyderabad, India.
abstract: The presence of lead (Pb) in milk and its interaction with trace elements is a serious health concern. Present study is aimed at determining Pb and trace element (Fe, Zn and Mg) levels in milk and blood/serum samples of lactating buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) living in a market-area (Group-A) and a dairy-experimental station (Group-B), Hyderabad, India. In addition, kidney and liver function tests were assessed. Fodder, milk and blood Pb levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in Group-B. Elevated Pb levels correlated positively with reduced Fe and Zn levels in both serum and milk. A significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation between blood Pb and milk Pb levels was observed. Kidney and liver function markers were significantly higher in Group-B buffaloes. The results suggest that contaminated fodder might be one of the responsible factors for elevated Pb levels. In addition, lower levels of Fe and Zn might have led to bioaccumulation of Pb in blood and milk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Sri Venkateswara University, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shailaja
authors.forename: Yathapu Srinivasa
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: B D P
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Kalakumar
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Brinda
authors.forename: Gottimukkula
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manohar
authors.forename: B Dinesh
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002020:Buffaloes; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007194:India; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements; D007854:Lead