EFFECTS OF HIGHER LEVELS OF CHROMIUM AND COPPER
ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND SERUM PROTEINS IN BROILERS
M. Tariq
Javed, F, Ahmad. N, Z, Rafique1 and M, Bashir
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,
1Poultry Production, Govt. of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
Effects
of higher levels of chromium alone and in combination with copper were
investigated in broiler chicks divided into seven equal groups viz. A, B, C, D,
E, F and G. Group G served as control receiving no treatment. Groups A, B and F
received chromium chloride at the rate of 2 g/kg and nicotinic acid 150 mg/kg
feed while C, D and F received chromium chloride 8 g/kg and nicotinic acid
150mg/kg. Broilers of groups A and C received copper sulfate at the rate of 200
mg/kg while groups Band D 400 mg/kg feed. Haematological parameters studied
revealed non-significant difference between treatment groups and control in
haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte counts. However, only at 4th
week, lower PCV was observed in birds fed higher levels of chromium chloride
alone. Increase in TLC was observed in birds fed low chromium alone or' with low
levels of copper. Results of serum proteins including total protein, albumin and
globulin during first three weeks showed significantly or relatively lower
values in treatment groups than control. Serum globulins generally revealed
non-significant difference between treatment groups and control.