Sodium arsenate and/or urea differently affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemistry and DNA damage in intoxicated commercial layer birds

Abstract

An experimental study was ascertained in birds to assess the toxicological effects of arsenic (sodium arsenate) and urea alone or in different combinations. After two weeks of acclimatization, all the birds were randomly divided into six equal groups (T0–T5) each containing 15 birds. Arsenic (A) and urea (U) was given to chickens (mg/kg body weight) daily for 39 days as follow: T1 (A10U0.5), T2 (A15U0.75), T3 (A20U1.0), T4 (A25) and T5 (U1.5). Various signs of toxicity such as depression, dullness, tremors, watery droppings, gasping, anemic comb and wattle were prominent in treated birds. Feed consumption and body weight of experimental birds treated with arsenic and urea decreased significantly. The absolute and relative weights of different visceral organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and bursa of treated birds were decreased significantly. Histologically, tissue sections of liver showed necrosis of hepatocyte, fatty degeneration and mild congestion. Microscopically, necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, congestion and increased urinary spaces in kidneys, mild congestion in spleen and vacuolation in bursa of Fabricius of treated birds was evident. Hematological assessment indicated significant decrease in hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, hematocrit percent and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. Results revealed significant increase in serum cardiac iso-enzyme, triglycerides, cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentration in treated birds as compared to untreated birds. A significant decrease in serum total proteins while increased concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, asparatate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and urea was estimated in treated birds. Significantly increased frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes was recorded. It was concluded that arsenic and urea in combinations even at low levels affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemical parameters and erythrocyte morphology in layer birds.