SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF LEAD TRANSFER FROM SOIL TO FORAGE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH BLOOD LEAD PB AND GLUCOSE LEVELS IN BUFFALOES

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in the environment endangers the health and productivity of cattle. This study looked at the seasonal variations in lead (Pb) concentrations in buffalo soil, feed, and blood plasma, as well as Pb bio-concentration variables and changes in blood glucose levels. Soil, forage, and blood plasma samples were obtained from lactating, dry, and young buffaloes over the summer, autumn, winter, and spring seasons. Mean Pb concentrations in soil ranged from 15.37 to 16.94 mg/kg, remaining below the FAO/WHO permitted limit of 100 mg/kg, while forage Pb levels ranged from 5.98 to 6.24 mg/kg, above the recommended limit of 0.3 mg/kg for plants. Blood plasma Pb concentrations were from 0.389 to 0.592 mg/L in breastfeeding buffaloes, 0.505 to 0.566 mg/L in dry buffaloes, and 0.595 to 0.851 mg/L in young buffaloes, all exceeding the hazardous threshold of 0.3 mg/L. Seasonal influences had a substantial impact on Pb concentrations in soil and blood plasma of breastfeeding and young buffaloes (p<0.05). Bio-concentration factors demonstrated that Pb was efficiently transferred from soil to pasture (0.460-0.604) and from forage to blood plasma, especially in young buffaloes (0.271-0.360). Blood glucose concentrations varied seasonally, with mean values of 29.77-32.71 mg/dl in breastfeeding, 23.90-34.10 mg/dl in dry, and 31.10-33.80 mg/dl in young buffaloes, all below established physiological ranges. Results showed significant Pb buildup throughout the soil-forage-animal continuum and suggest potential metabolic stress in buffaloes, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and management of grazing systems.