Toxico-Pathological effects of arsenic and chromium in chickens: amelioration with antioxidant and adsorbing agents'.

Abstract

The present study was planned to investigate adverse effects of arsenic, chromium and to ascertain role of vitamin E and bentonite in alleviating harmful effects of these heavy metals in broiler birds. For this purpose, the experiment was conducted in three trials. First trial was conducted on 140 one-day-old broiler chickens. Birds of groups 2, 5, 6 and 7 were administered arsenic @ (50 mg/kg BW) through feed. Groups 3, 5 and 7 received vitamin E (150 mg/kg BW) and groups 4, 6 and 7 received bentonite (5 % feed), respectively. Second trail was conducted on 126 one-day old broiler chickens divided into seven equal groups. Groups 2, 5, 6 and 7 were administered orally through feed chromium @ (270 mg/kg BW). Birds of groups 3, 5 and 7 received vitamin E (150 mg/kg BW) and groups 4, 6 and 7 received bentonite (5 % feed), respectively. Control group received normal feed and drinking water, respectively for 42 days. Third trial was conducted on 180 one-day old broiler chickens. Birds of groups 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were administered chromium @ (270 mg/kg BW) and groups 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 received arsenic @ (50 mg/kg BW) through feed. Groups 4, 7 and 9 received vitamin E (150 mg/kg BW) and groups 5, 8 and 9 received bentonite (5 % feed), respectively. Birds were killed humanly at day 21 and 42. Blood samples and morbid tissues (liver, lungs, heart and kidneys) were collected for hematological, serum chemistry and histopathological studies, respectively. Following parameters of oxidation stress were measured i.e., Total antioxidant capacity/TAC, Total oxidant status/TOS, Catalase, Malondialdehyde/MDA. Residues in blood were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Body weight, absolute and relative organs weight were recorded on the day of slaughtering.