Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Fronsic medicine and toxicology, faculty of veterinary medicine, Benha university, Benha, Egypt.
2
Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University
3
Biochemistry, Toxicology and Nutritional Deficiency Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Tanta Branch (AHRI), Agriculture Research Centre (ARC)
4
Dept. of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Tukh, Qalyobiya
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental heavy metal non-biodegradable pollutant, and its ubiquity ensures its recurrent exposure to human and animals. Cd chloride poses an emerging threat to the poultry industry as well as humans who consume Cd-intoxicated chickens due to its bioaccumulative properties. Spirulina platensis is a cyano-bacterium with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, nephroprotective as well as growth, productive and reproductive enhancer of animal and poultry. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Spirulina platensis against Cd-induced oxidative damage in broiler chickens. Sixty broiler chicks were divided randomly into four equal groups (15 each). The chicks received either water (group I, control) or Spirulina (group II) or Cd chloride (group III) or both Cd chloride and Spirulina (group IV). Our results showed that Cd intoxicated chickens co-treated with Spirulina platensis had significant improvement in growth parameters i.e., final body weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion rate. In addition, a significant decrease in liver enzymes, renal parameters, total Cd residues in tissues and oxidative parameters was seen in group IV compared to Cd chloride intoxicated chickens. The level of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity were higher in-group IV. Histopathologically, Spirulina attenuated the hepatorenal toxicity of Cd chloride in group IV evidenced by less degeneration changes in liver and kidneys compared to group III. In conclusions, Spirulina protected broiler chickens against Cd induced liver and kidney damage. Spirulina could be a beneficial supplement in chicken ration to counteract potential Cd chloride toxicity.
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