Haemato-biochemical and pathological changes in 7.5% karanj cake (Pongamia glabra) toxicity and its amelioration in broiler chickens

Abstract

The present experiment was undertaken to study the effect of dietary incorporation of 7.5% expeller karanj cake (EKC) in partial replacement of soybean meal and its amelioration with 1.5% NaOH (w/w) and 0.1% activated charcoal, in order to find out the suitability of its inclusion in poultry ration. The chicks were divided into 5 treatment groups and each group was further replicated to 3 of 6 chicks each. G-1 birds were fed with basal diet as such and G-2 was maintained on 7.5% raw expeller karanj cake incorporated basal diet, and G-3 was fed on 7.5% EKC along with charcoal, while G-4 and G-5 were provided with 1.5% NaOH (w/w) treated EKC alone and in combination with 0.1% activated charcoal in basal diet for 42 days, respectively. An improvement in respect of body weights, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio was observed in G3, 4 and 5 as compared to G2. Haematological profile revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction of TEC, PCV, Hb and TLC values in G-2 with respect to other groups. The serum biochemical profile revealed significant reduction in protein profile, cholesterol levels and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in creatinine, AST, glucose and A/G ratio in G-2 birds in comparison to other groups. The gross and histopathological changes in G-2 birds comprised of marked congestion and enlargement of liver with marked central venous congestion and mild degenerative changes (hydropic degeneration). Kidneys exhibited gross changes like enlargement and marked congestion which were correlated with marked intertubular haemorrhages, congestion and severe degenerative changes. Bursa and spleen showed slight reduction in size and histopathological sections revealed mild to moderate depletion of lymphocytes in the respective organs. The gross and histopathological changes of the ameliorative groups G-4 and G-5 were mild type in comparison to moderate changes exhibited by G-3 birds. It is concluded that alkali treatment (1.5% NaoH w/w) alone or in combination with activated charcoal was more effective, in comparison to activated charcoal alone, in counteracting the toxicity of karanj cake.