Biochemical and mineral profile of broiler chickens experimentally infected with hydropericardium syndrome virus

The present study was undertaken by inducing experimental infection of hydropericardium syndrome virus (HPSV) in four-weekold broiler chickens. The serum and pericardial fluid biochemical as well as serum mineral profile of infected broiler birds was analyzed. Serum and pericardial fluid biochemical profile of HPSV infected birds revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in total protein, albumin and globulin with more significant (P < 0.01) reduction in glucose level. The levels of serum and pericardial fluid enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides and bilirubin were increased significantly (P < 0.01). The serum from hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) affected birds showed significant (P < 0.01) increase in both sodium and potassium level with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in level of serum iron and cobalt. There was no significant change in serum zinc and copper level in broiler birds due to HPSV infection. Changes in biochemical and mineral profile of HPSV infected broiler birds revealed the pathogenic effect of this virus on different body systems of birds and may be helpful for diagnosis of the disease and proper health management of the affected flock.