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Title: ASPECTS OF BIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN BREEDER TOMS AFTER TREATMENT WITH SUBCUTANTOUS CADMIUM INJECTION: ALTERATIONS IN BODY AND SELECTED ORGAN WEIGHTS

Author
item MONSI A - RIVERS STATE UNIV,NIGERIA
item CECIL HELENE C - 1265-10-00
item Bakst, Murray

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Animal Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/1993
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential trace mineral known to have toxicological effects on animals when ingested. It is sometimes found as a contaminant of poultry feed, particularly in less developed countries. This study examined the effects of a single dose (injection) on breeder male turkey performance. Feed consumption decreased and their behavior was lethargic. However, there was little change in the weight of certain body organs. The liver did not have a normal appearance. This study highlighted the changes associated with Cd toxicity and will be useful in the identification of Cd toxicity in turkey flocks.

Technical Abstract: Forty-eight yearling breeder toms were evaluated to determine their responses to parenteral subcutaneous cadmium injection. Each treated member of the 24 pairs of birds received a single dose of 0.0 4 m-mole corresponding to 4.5 mg/kg body weight. Toxicological responses based on macroscopic alterations in the spleen, liver, kidney, testes and live body weights were assessed at 0, 6, 24 and 192 h post treatment. Cadmium-treated birds generally displayed a lethargic and debilitated behaviour betraying possible toxic reactions to the metal. Feed intake was significantly reduced by the Cd treatment. No significant changes were observed in the wet weights of the spleen, liver, right and left testes of the cadmium-injected birds. Nodular outgrowths, extensive hemorrhage, greyish or pallid discoloration and occasional mottling were observed on the liver of those exposed to cadmium for over 24 hours. Body weight was significantly depressed and kidney weight increased in the cadmium-treated toms. It was concluded that these observations were indicative of possible degenerative histological changes in the affected birds due to the Cd administration.