Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters during Long Term Exposure of Arsenic in Goats

The present investigation was designed to determine whether supplementation of different level of vitamin E for 12 months to arsenic exposed goats (50 ppm as sodium arsenite) affords protection against the blood hemato-biochemical parameters caused by the metalloid. A total of 24 crossbred (Alpine${\times}$Beetal) lactating goats were assigned randomly into 4 equal groups (control, $T_1$, $T_2$ and $T_3$) of 6 in each, on the basis of average body weight ($36.10{\pm}0.11$ kg) and milk yield ($1.61{\pm}0.04$ kg/d). The animals in $T_1$, $T_2$ and $T_3$ were given 50 ppm arsenic, while in $T_2$ and $T_3$, additionally; vitamin E at the rate of 100 IU and 150 IU/kg dry matter (DM) respectively was additionally supplemented for the period of 12 months. Hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte (TLC) and blood lymphocyte % were decreased (p<0.05) in arsenic fed groups and vitamin E supplementation in the experimental group showed a protective potential. Significant increases (p<0.05) in aspertate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities among arsenic supplemented groups were recorded, however vitamin E supplementation at higher doses showed a protective effect (p<0.05) against AST but in the case of ALT no ameliorating effect was found in either of the doses. Plasma total protein was decreased (p>0.05) but creatinine level was periodically increased in all As supplemented groups and vitamin E supplementation did not produce any protective effect. It can be concluded that arsenic exposure resulted in varying degree of changes in hemato-biochemical parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes in goats but concomitant treatment with Vitamin E is partially helpful in reducing the burden of arsenic induced effect.