ABSTRACT

Samples of pig feeding stuffs were collected from piggeries around Umuahia and analysed for heavy metal contents and proximate composition. Plasma and urine obtained from pigs fed with the same feeding stuffs were evaluated for heavy metal concentration and urinary thiocyanate level. Heavy metal contents of the plasma ranged from nd — 0.200 ± 0.5 mg/I Pb, 0.075 t 0.04 0.650 ± 0.04 mg/I Cu, and 0.125 ± 0.02 — 0.750 ± 0.02 mg/I Zn etc, while that of urine ranged from 0.05 ± 0.02 — 0.900 ± 0.04 mg/I Cu, 0.125 ± 0.04 1.050 ± 0.02 mg/I Zn, and nd — 0.0250 ± 0.02 mg/I Cr, with other elements having small concentrations of <0.16 mg/I. Values of variables in the blood and urine samples were significantly different at P = 0.05 level, but Hg was not detected in the urine. Thiocyanate level in the urine was significantly different at P=0.05 limit and ranged from 0.013 ± 0.01 - 3.143 ± 0.02 mgSCN/I. The concentration of heavy metals in the feeding stuffs examined ranged from 0.450 ± 0.04 - 0.925 ± 0.02 mg/kg Cu, 0.650 ± 0.02 — 1.600 +0.04 mg/kg Zn, and 0.050 0.02 — 0.125 ± 0.02 mg/kg Cr with Pb, Ni, Cd, As, and Hg not being detected. Except for Pb and Cr, values for other variables in the feeds were significantly different at 5 % probability level. Proximate composition of feeds ranged from 7.940 ± 0.09 — 8.930 ± 0.01 % for moisture, 38.850 ± 0.03 — 46.550 ± 0.01 % for protein, and 3.100 0.05— 6.550 ± 0.01 % for fats. Proximate values were significantly different at P  0,05 level except moisture content. However results show that concentration levels observed for some of the elements are within the limits of heavy metals recommended by literatures for animal feeds.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification ii

Declaration iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables X

Abstract xi

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Some Effects of Heavy Metal Elements 2

1.2 Feeding of Pigs 4

1.3 Feed Composition and Functions of Foods 5

1.3J Protein Requirements of the Pigs 6

1.3.2 Energy 8

1.3.3 Minerals, Trace Elements and Water 9

1.4 Aim of Research 11

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 12

2.1 Nutrition of Pigs 12

2.2 Feed Additives 13

2.3 Heavy Metal Contents of Livestock Feeds 14

2.4 Metabolism and Toxicity of Thiocyanates 16

CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Samples Collection 20

3.2 Samples Preparation 20

3.3 Determination of Thiocyanate in Urine 21

3.4 Determination of Heavy Metals 22

3.4.1 Determination of Heavy Metals in Urine 22

3.4.2 Determination Heavy Metals in Plasma 23

3.4.3 Determination of Heavy Metals in Feeds 23

3.5 Determination of Proximate Composition of Feed Samples. 23

3.5.1 Determination of Moisture Content 23

3.5.2 Determination of Ash Content 24

3.5.3 Determination of Protein Content 25

3.5.4 Determination of Fat Content 26

3.5.5 Determination of Crude Fibre 27

3.5.6 Determination of Nitrogen-Free Extract 28

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Heavy Metal Contents of Urine and Plasma 29

4.1.1 Lead Content 29

4.1.2 Nickel Content 31

4.1.3 Cadmium Content 32

4.1.4 Arsenic Content 33

4.1.5 Copper Content 34

4.1.6' Zinc Content 36

4.1.7 Chromium Content 37

4.1.8 Mercury Content 39

4.2 Urinary Thiocyanate Content 40

4.3 Heavy Metal Contents of the Pig Feedstuff 42

4.4 Proximate Composition of the Pig Feedstuff 44

4.5 Conclusion 46

REFERENCES 48

APPENDIX