A survey on hepatic and renal trace elements status of sheep and goats in Zarrinshahr region, Isfahan, Iran: an abattoir study

Hepatic and renal contents of essential trace elements provide good clues to monitor the nutritional status of grazing animals. Liver and kidney samples were collected from 60 sheep and 60 goats slaughtered in Zarrinshahr abattoirs and analyzed for essential trace elements. Hepatic Fe concentrations were significantly higher in sheep than goats. There were also higher renal and hepatic Fe concentration in age group of 2-4 year Scompared with age groups of <2 and 4-6 years. The concentration of hepatic trace elements including Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni and Cr was significantly higher than renal ones. Concentration of Cu in the liver and kidney of the sheep from Zarrinshahr were lower than normal values and findings from other countries. Fe, Cr and Ni in the organs, however, were high and Zn and Co concentrations were in normal ranges. It is concluded that high concentrations of Fe, Cr and Ni in the liver and kidney of sheep and goats from Zarrinshaher area may be related to industrial operations and should be considered with regards to animal and human health, while potentially copper deficiency may be regarded as a potential burden to flock efficiency.