Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology

An experimental study was conducted to assess the haemato-biochemical changes of copper induced toxicity in broiler chickens. For this study, 120, day-old broiler chicks, procured from a commercial hatchery, were divided into six groups each consisting of 20 birds. The birds of control group (C) were supplied with only basal diet without any copper supplementation. The birds of the treatment groups Tl, T2, T3, T4, and T5, were supplemented with 250 ppm, 500 ppm. 750 ppm, 1000 ppm and 1250 ppm copper respectively. Blood samples were collected from the birds of each group on 28th day of trial for estimation of haemato-biochemical parameters. Birds of groups Tl, T2, T3, T4, and T5, showed decrease in Hb concentration but PCV and TEC were increased. Though there was significant (P<0.005) difference in DLC among treatment groups but it did not show any particular pattern. There was no significant difference in DLC among the groups with or without copper supplementation. The birds of T3, T4, and T5, had increased serum AST, ALT and ALP activities indicating hepatic damage in copper toxicity.