Arsenic Induced Toxicity in Broiler Chicks and Its amelioration with
Ascorbic Acid: Clinical, Hematological and Pathological Study
Rabia Sharaf, Ahrar Khan*, Muhammad Zargham Khan,
Iftikhar Hussain, Rao Zahid Abbas, S. T. Gul, Fazal Mahmood and
Muhammad Kashif Saleemi
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
*Corresponding Author: ahrar1122@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study was conducted to note the arsenic (As)
toxicity lesions in birds and to know either Vit C ameliorates these toxic
effects or not. One-day-old broilers chicks (n=72) procured from a local
hatchery were randomly divided into four equal groups.First group was kept as control and second group was given As (50 mg/kg
BW) via crop tubing.Third group received
in addition to As, Vit C (250 mg/kg BW) whereas fourth group received only Vit
C. Killing by neck dislocation of randomly selected six birds from each group
was carried out on experimental days 0, 16 and 32 for collection of blood and
tissues specimens. Arsenic treated birds showed clinical signs of toxicity
throughout the experiment than all other groups. These clinical signs included
decreased body weight and feed intake, dullness, open mouth breathing, increased
thirst, ruffled feathers, pale comb, skin irritation and watery diarrhea which
were not significant in any other group. As treated group showed a significant
(P<0.05) decrease in hematological parameters. Severe gross and
histopathological changes were observed in intestines, spleen and lungs of birds
fed with As than all other groups. Decreased height of villi of middle portion
of small intestines was also observed in As treated birds. Villi height in Vit C
treated group increased as compared to control group. It was concluded that As
induces severe toxic effects in broiler birds; however, these toxic effects can
be partially ameliorated by Vit C.