Aspects of Biological Changes in Breeder Toms after Treatment with Subcutaneous Cadmium Injection: Alterations in Body and Selected Organ Weights

Abstract

Monsi, A., Cecil, H.C. and Bakst, M.R. 1993. Aspects of biological changes in breeder toms after treatment with subcutaneous cadmium injection: Alterations in body and selected organ weights. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 4: 1–11.

Forty-eight yearling breeder toms were evaluated to deterr ine their responses to parenteral subcutaneous cadmium injection. Each treated member of the 24 pairs of birds received a single dose of 0.04 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.

Key words:

• Biological changes
• toms
• cadmium
• body weight
• organ weights