Cadmium Toxicity in Growing Swine

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) as cadmium chloride was added to the basal diet of 8-week-old swine at levels of 0, 50, 150, 450 and 1,350 ppm for a 6-week comparison period. Growth rate was decreased as a function of Cd level, having ceased in the 1,350 ppm group. Hematocrit values were the most sensitive measurement of toxicity and were decreased in all Cd-fed animals. Serum phosphorus was decreased in animals receiving 450 and 1,350 ppm Cd, while serum calcium was not affected by Cd intake. Bone ash content was decreased as a function of Cd intake. Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity was depressed in renal cortex from the groups receiving 150 ppm Cd or more, but serum LAP was unaffected by Cd intake. The kidney, liver, spleen and teeth contained the highest concentrations of Cd. Kidney Cd increased with dietary Cd level but appeared to reach a near maximal level in the 450 and 1,350 ppm Cd groups. This renal Cd content was directly related to the level of cadmium-binding protein isolated from kidney cortex by gel filtration chromatography.