Effect of the presence of a urea fertilizer plant on the nitrate content of berseem and constituents of milk and blood of buffaloes

Abstract

An attempt was made to study the effect of the presence of "El-Nasr" Fertilizer Plant in "Talkha" on the nitrate content of berseem as well as on some blood and milk constituents of buffaloes raised in the surrounding areas of the factory. The studied areas included the northern area (0-2 km from the factory), the south eastern area (1.5-3 km from the factory) and the control area (not nearer than 5 km from the factory). The study showed that the nitrate content in berseem grown near the factory had higher NO3 values exceeding 2% NO3 in DM in some cases. Berseem from the areas far from the factory had lower NO3 levels (about 50-200 ppm NO3 in DM). Samples from "El-Mansoura" and "El-Manzala" contained higher NO3 levels than the samples from "El-Senblawin" and "Belkas." There were no clear effects of cut sequence on nitrate levels in berseem. Values of blood packed cell volume and methaemoglobin percentages and plasma urea concentration did not differ significantly among the three areas (northern, south eastern and control areas). Blood haemoglobin and total protein contents were lower, whereas transaminase activity and blood nitrate contents were higher in buffaloes of the south eastern area than those for animals of the other two areas. The blood ammonia content in the control buffaloes was higher than that of the animals of the northern and south eastern areas. The analysis of milk revealed that nitrate levels were not different among areas or between morning and evening milkings. Total milk protein was higher in the northern area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)