Effect of Cadmium and Spirulina platensis Administration on Hematological Parameters in Chickensa

Abstract

One hundred chickens of one day of age were divided randomly into five groups of 20 birds each. After two weeks of adaptation, group I was kept in control, group II was fed with 0.2% Spirulina platensis powder till 90th day post treatment (DPT). Group III was administered 1.6 ppm cadmium as cadmium chloride monohydrate (CdCl2.H2O) in triple glass distilled water. Groups IV and V were administered 1.61 ppm cadmium in triple glass distilled water along with Spirulina platensis powder orally in standard recommended feed at the rate of 0.2% concentration. However, in Group V Spirulina platensis powder was given from 60th DPT till 90th DPT. For hematological studies, blood samples were collected from each group at 0, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th and 90th DPT. There was a significant treatment dependent decrease in values of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), whereas a significant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in cadmium treated groups III and V as compared to group I. In groups III and V, significant increase in total leukocyte count (TLC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and absolute heterophil count (AHC) were recorded. In group IV, significant decrease in Hb, PCV, TEC, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes and significant increase in TLC, MCV, heterophils was observed as compared to groups III and V. It was concluded from the present study that cadmium fed at NOEL (1.61 ppm) levels for 90 days is toxic. Spirulina platensis fed concurrently with cadmium at NOAEL dose nullified the toxic effects of cadmium. However, Spirulina fed after accumulation of cadmium at NOEL dose is not able to reverse the adverse effects.