Agrology (Sep 2023)
The effect of cadmium on the immune status of young cattle and the effects of corrective factors
Abstract
Abstract. Cadmium is a heavy metal, dangerous environmental pollutant that negatively affects the body and the functioning of its organs and systems: blood, heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It also harms the immune system, reducing the body’s resistance to infections and increasing the risk of developing allergic, autoimmune, and oncological diseases. We studied the indicators of the humoral and nonspecific links of the immune system in young cattle subject to cadmium loading and the effects of a feed supplement and a liposomal preparation. The animals were divided into three groups of 5 each. Cadmium loading was attained by feeding cadmium chloride with feed in the dose of 0.04 mg/kg of the animal's body weight. The animals of the experimental groups were additionally given Metisevit and Butaselmevit. Usage of these drugs was accompanied by strengthening of the immune status of the body of young cattle, including increased bactericidal and lysozyme activities of blood serum, increased phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index, simultaneously with decrease in the level of circulating immune complexes in blood. In the conditions of experimental cadmium loading, we observed the best results in strengthening of the immune defense of the animals after combined use of the Metisevit feed additive and the Butaselmevit liposomal drug. These changes in the body of young cattle were associated with the complex effect of the components of the feed supplement and the liposomal preparation. The advantages of the liposomal form of Butaselmevit were more pronounced and longer-lasting effects. The Metisevit supplement and Butaselmevit liposomal drug were observed to be highly effective when used together during cadmium loading
