Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the level of cadmium, zinc and oxidative stress parameters in serum and milk as well as the blood constituents in local at the age of 3-4 years during the spring and summer seasons. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 ewes (15 each season). The blood samples were allocated to into two tubes, for complete blood profile study and for biochemical analysis. Milk was used for biochemical tests. Blood analysis showed a significant difference between some blood values during the two seasons represented by significant increase of total white blood number, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume in circulating blood of lactating ewes during summer season compared with spring season. Red blood cells number and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not change among the two seasons. Both mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin value of lactating ewe increased significantly during spring season with respect to the summer season. The serum glutathione level showed a significant elevation during spring season compared with the summer season, while, the level of malonaldehyde and peroxynitrite free radicle remain constant during the study period. There were no significant changes in the level of cadmium in serum and milk of examined ewes, while the serum level of zinc significantly higher during the spring compared to the summer season and milk zinc level remain stable during both seasons. The study concluded variations in haematological, oxidative stress biomarkers, serum and milk concentration of Zn and Cd according to lactation season in ewes.