Distribution Characteristics and Pollution Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Content in Selected Dairy Farms in Jiangsu, China.

Abstract

Lead and cadmium are prevalent heavy metal toxins that contaminate the natural environment through animal husbandry and agricultural and industrial activities. Exposing dairy cows to these pollutants can have detrimental effects on milk production and quality, leading to health problems and decreasing the animals' production performance. Therefore, investigating the distribution of lead and cadmium content and assessing the pollution levels at dairy farms are of significant theoretical and practical significance. This study determined the spatial distribution and clustering of lead and cadmium by sampling soil and feces from dairy farms in Jiangsu, China. The data obtained, in conjunction with soil data from Jiangsu Province, were used to evaluate the extent of lead and cadmium pollution at these farms. The results indicate that lead pollution levels are relatively low, whereas cadmium pollution is moderate in multiple regions. Ultimately, this study contributes to the assessment of the risks associated with lead and cadmium in dairy farming production and supports the establishment of a sustainable animal husbandry system, serving as an effective reference for subsequent ecological health farming, disease prevention, and management.