Haematobiochemical and Pathological Alterations of Chronic Copper Toxicity in Ducks

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of excessive intake of copper sulphate on the haematological and biochemical parameters of domestic ducks Three months old domestic ducks were given copper sulphate as a daily dose of 5 mg/kg body weight for 12 weeks. Haematological changes revealed decreased haemoglobin concentration in the treated group with increase in total erythrocytic count. The changes were progressive in low dosed group compared to control. Biochemically, there were significant increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and transaminase enzymes. However, biochemical alterations were progressive in the treated group compared to the control group. Gross lesions were primarily confined to liver with congestion, haemorrhage, moderate congestion and haemorrhages in the kidney, brain, proventriculus, spleen and intestine along with sloughing of mucosa of gizzard. Hispathologically, kidney showed degeneration, necrosis, karyomegaly and infiltration of mononuclear cells. There was sloughing of the koilin layer from the epithelial layer of gizzard.