Effect of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Environment on Antioxidant Function in Wumeng Semi-fine Wool Sheep in Southwest China.

Many environmental accidents have led to worldwide heavy metal pollution, raising concern about heavy metal toxicity in Southwest China. To study the effects of Cd and Pb in the environment on antioxidant function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep, contents of Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, Fe, Se, Cd, and Pb were measured in irrigation water, soil, herbage, and animal tissues. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also determined. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in affected samples of irrigation water, soil, herbage, and tissues were significantly higher than those in the control (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in other element contents between affected pastures and control areas. The occurrence of anemia affected Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep. The activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in affected animals were significantly decreased than those in the control (P < 0.01). Content of MDA in serum in affected animals was significantly increased than that in control (P < 0.01). Serum T-AOC in affected animal was significantly lower than that in control (P < 0.01). Consequently, it is suggested that heavy metal contamination in natural habitat caused serious harm to antioxidant function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep.