Impact of water pollution with lead and cadmium on rumen parameters, serum constituents, and antioxidant status of grazing Egyptian Nubian goats in Giza Governorate

Environmental pollution, especially water pollution with heavy metals, has a direct economic and health impact on the animal industry. This study investigated the effect of water pollution with heavy metals on grazing goats’ haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, and rumen function. Fifty Egyptian Nubian goats were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 13) raised indoors on clean tap water and an exposed group (n = 37) drinking from a polluted drainage water canal with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The exposed goats showed significant reductions in RBCs, PCV, Hb, TLC, T.P, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, and significant elevations in MDA. Significant elevation in rumen pH in exposed goats compared to control goats was recorded. Substantial reductions in TVFA, ammonia, AST, ALT, GGT, Ca, and P were observed in exposed goats compared with the control goats. A positive correlation between Cd/Pb and rumen pH was recorded. In contrast, a negative correlation was found in association with TVFA, ammonia, AST, ALT, GGT, Ca, and P. Pb and Cd levels were significantly elevated in the rumen and blood of exposed goats compared to control goats. The study concluded that goats watered in polluted areas suffered from alterations in hematological, serum biochemical, rumen fluid constituents, oxidative stress, and disturbance in mineral levels. These results highlight the harmful impact of heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium on goat’s health status and body function.