Enzyme serology of broiler chickens exposed to crude petroleum flame and fumes

Abstract

Enzyme serology of broiler chickens exposed to crude petroleum flame and fumes at varying distances over a period of 16 h daily for 56 days in a poultry house was evaluated. The burning of crude petroleum was simulated in a designed burner. The measured distances were 4, 8, or 12 m from the flame point. The control birds were located in a separate poultry building without the flame treatment. Gaseous emissions from the burning crude oil were monitored. Proprietory broiler starter and finisher diets were fed ad libitum. Blood samples were taken at the 4th and 8th weeks for enzymic assays following each treatment. The enzymes assayed were serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alanine phosphatase (ALP). No significant effects were observed in the serum enzyme levels between treatments.

Keywords:

• broiler chickens
• enzyme serology
• simulated crude petroleum flame and fumes

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the assistance of staff of the Chemical Pathology Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).