Influence of salicylate administration on weight gain and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and sodium salicylate (SS) administration on weight gains and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. This study was performed to investigate the safety of ASA and SS in chickens in conditions of moderate overdose. Seventy five broiler chickens (Sanhuangji breed) were divided into control and experimental groups. The chickens were administered orally with ASA or SS in the following daily doses: 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 20 days. In the course of the experiment weight gains were recorded. On day 14 and day 20 the chickens were sampled for blood biochemical analysis. Investigated parameters included serum total protein, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, potassium, sodium and calcium contents as well as alanine transaminase activity. After the last samplings the chickens were dissected and liver and kidney to body weight ratios were recorded. It was demonstrated that SS at a dose of 200 mg/kg increased serum total protein level. ASA increased serum proteins at a dose of 100 mg/kg but not at a higher dose. At the dose of 200 mg/kg ASA increased the kidney to body weight ratio. In all salicylate treated groups the liver weights were lower as compared to the control. No clinical manifestations of intolerance were observed. It is assumed that chickens tolerate ASA and SS well, even in doses producing distinct side effects in several mammalian species.