Pathology of sub-chronic cadmium and chlorpyrifos toxicity in broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of cadmium and chlorpyrifos and their interaction on liver and kidney of broiler chicken. Twenty four birds were divided into four groups. Group-I was kept as control. Group-II, III and IV birds were administered with cadmium (50 mg/L in drinking water), chlorpyrifos (4 mg/kg body weight orally) and cadmium (50 mg/L in drinking water) + chlorpyrifos (4 mg/kg body weight orally), respectively and observed for 45 days. Blood samples were collected on day 15, 30 and 45 for biochemical parameters, which showed significant (P<0.01) increase in ALT, AST, ALP and creatinine. Significant (P<0.05) increase in the glucose, urea, uric acid and significant (P<0.05) decrease in total protein, albuminand globulin were observed. Histopathologically, liver revealed necrosis of hepatocytes, haemorrhages, infiltration of heterophils and mononuclear cells. Kidneys showed cortical tubular degeneration and desquamation, glomerular atrophy and hyalinization. Histopathological andbiochemical changes were more marked in group IV birds, which indicated the synergistic effects of these environmental toxicantsin producing pronounced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic alterations.