Determination of Nitrate and Nitrite Content in Livestock Fodders and Blood; its Deleterious Effect and Antidotal Studies in Rabbits

Abstract

In the present study nitrate contents in fodder crops, viz., Sorghum bicolor (Jowar), Pennisetum glaucum (Bajra), Zea mays (Makai), Avena sativa (Jai), Brassica rapa (Shaljam) and Brassica Campestris (Sarson) were estimated twice a day i-e early morning and afternoon. The fodders were collected from different villages of Okara, Pattoki and Ravi areas of the Province Punjab. Nitrate contents of different parts of the fodder plants were estimated qualitatively through Diphenylamine Filed Test (DFT) and quantitatively by spectrophotometry while the antidotal efficacy of aqueous garlic extract, methylene blue and Velenium (Vitamin E+ Sodium selenite) was compared against experimental nitrate intoxication in rabbits. Forty-two, albino rabbits of identical age, gender and body weight were randomly divided into 7 groups (A to G) and subjected to experimental treatments for a period of 40 days. The efficacy of antidotes was assessed on the basis of changes in blood nitrite level, biochemical profile and histopathological changes manifested by the treated rabbits. The nitrate level was highest in Jowar, followed by Jai, Shaljam, Makai, Bajra and Sarson. The concentrations were lower in afternoon in the leaves and in mature crops as compared to stem parts, immature plants, and in samples collected from plants during morning hours. The nitrate concentration was lower in samples collected from Ravi area, as compared to samples collected from villages of Pattoki and Okara. The combination of methylene blue and garlic extract was highly effective against nitrate toxicity followed by methylene blue, garlic extract and velenium, respectively. In conclusion, aqueous garlic extract can be effectively used either alone or in combination with methylene blue against nitrate toxicosis.