Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead in Sheep Grazing in North Jordan

The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in sheep in connection to the area of housing and grazing. In this study sheep tissue samples were examined in respect to the concentration of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The samples were taken from sheep 3–7 years old and from three areas of Northern Jordan. Sheep tissue concentration of Cu in area A is high, while in the other two areas it is at normal levels. This high concentration must be attributed mainly to the spraying with copper compounds at fruit-tree cultures. It is therefore wise to avoid grazing at these areas during the season of spraying. Zinc concentration in sheep liver and kidney is considered to be at low levels. Therefore, addition of Zn in feed is recommended. Cadmium concentration is at desirable levels. Finally, lead concentration is at about the same level in all three areas and these values considered desirable.