Lead poisoning is one of the most important metal toxicity in domestic animals. In cattle, at intake levels below those which are associated with clinical signs, there are metabolic changes accompanied with a decreased rate of growth. In this study, blood lead concentration of cattle has been measured in Ahvaz. Sampling was done on 100 cattles in the village of Great Jasanyeh, Sheiban Village, Albajy Village, Kampolow, Large Gambue village, Goldasht, Damghe village, Bohor village and the place of Veterinary Medicine School at the Shahid Chamran University between April to June 2012. The heparinized blood samples were stored in freezer (-20oC), and transferred to Qazvin Piraye Zist lab as soon as possible. The measuring of lead was done using atomic absorption with graphite furnace in this lab. The results were analyzed statistically with Mann-Vaitny and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that the value of mean ± SD of lead of blood is 39.93 ± 2.46 ppb. There were no significant re lationship between the lead values in blood with age, sex and breed. The level of blood lead in the animals receiving filtrated water was significantly more than those had access to unfiltrated water. Also, blood lead levels of cattle in the School of Veterinary Medicine were more than those located in other areas (With the exception of Kampolow). The results of this investigation show, the blood levels of lead in studied animals is in the acceptable range. Also, proximity to urban areas is more important factor for increasing blood lead levels than age, sex, breed, and drinking water sources.
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