Determination of Some Heavy Metal Levels in Young and Adult Cattle in the Şiran District of Gümüşhane by ICP-MS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate certain heavy metal levels in young and adult cattle in the Şiran district of Gümüşhane. For this, a total of 100 blood samples were taken from 50 young (aged 1 to 3 years old) and 50 adult (aged 4 to 6 years old) cattle slaughtered at an abattoir in the Şiran. Serum was then separated from the blood samples by centrifugation, and analysed for certain heavy metals by using the ICP-MS method. The levels of serum heavy metals in the serum of young and adult cattle breed in the Şiran were determined. When comparing young and adult cattle, the adult cattle had significantly higher concentrations of Al, V, Ni, and Sn. As a result, in this study, serum heavy metal concentrations and age-related bioaccumulation in cattle farmed in the Şiran district were determined for the first time. The periodic monitoring of the levels of these heavy metals may be helpful in improving animal health and production.