Sequential pathological studies in experimentally induced hydropericardium syndrome in broiler chickens supplemented with vitamin E

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) was induced experimentally in broiler chickens to assess the role of Vitamin E (Vit E) supplementation!® 150mg/kg of feed. Gross and histopathological lesions observed due to HPS were hydropericardium, pale swollen and friable liver, fragmentation of myocardial muscle fibers along with heamorrhages, hepatitis characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and heterophils along with intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies in the hepatocytes, congestion and oedema in lung, focal nephritis and haemorrhages in kidneys. These lesions of HPS were of lower magnitude in Vitamin E supplemented group. Lesion score and percent protective effect due to Vitamin E supplementation calculated on the basis of Gross changes and histopathological lesions were significantly lower compared to HPS infected group.