Copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and mancozeb toxicity in ducks

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to assess the chronic toxicity of copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and Mancozeb in ducklings. The experiment was carried out in three phases. In the first phase four groups of ducklings were used. Birds in group I, II and III were reared on feed supplemented with 100, 200 and 300 ppm copper respectively. Group IV was reared on control feed. In the second and third phases the experiment was repeated with zinc and Mancozeb respectively. The latter was added at a rate of 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm to diet. The body weight of the ducklings was assessed at fortnight intervals. The erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, ESR, PCV, total and differential leucocyte count, serum AST, AL T and Alkaline phosphatase were noted at monthly intervals. The cell mediated immunity was recorded at intervals of forty five days. Humoral immunity was assessed by estimating the antibody titer at 15 days intervals. The element content in the serum and tissue was also recorded. The gross and histo-pathological lesions were noted at the end of the experiment after six months. The results revealed that body weight of the ducklings was not significantly influenced by feeding copper at the above levels. However, all the treated birds showed a tendency for higher body weight gain than controls. Erythrocyte count was more in the group fed with 100 ppm copper and less in the group fed with 200 and 300 ppm . All the treated birds showed a tendency for low haemoglobin value. The PCV,ESR,total and differential leucocyte count were not significantly affected. In all the groups the difference in the level of AST, ALT and Alkaline phosphatase. was not clinically significant, Cell mediated and humoral immunity were not significantly altered by copper at the above levels. The serum copper level showed

an increase proportional to the duration of treatment and level of copper in the feed. Liver showed more concentration of copper than kidney and muscle.The birds in the group III showed histo-pathological lesion in the kidney. Zinc supplementation in the feed also has no significant influence on the body weight gain. However, the group fed with 200 PPM zinc showed a tendency towards an increase of the body weight gain and the group fed with 100 and 300 PPM zinc showed a tendency towards a decrease in the body weight gain. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin level showed an upward trend in group I. In all the treated groups the PCV, leucocyte count, serum AL T and Alkaline phosphatase showed an upward trend. In group III humoral immunity showed a favourable response. A rapid increase in the level of zinc in the serum proportional to the level in the feed and period of treatment was observed. The tissue zinc concentration was significantly higher in the liver in group I, but it was not proportional to the serum zinc. Histopathologically, mild depletion of lymphoid cells in the spleen of group Ill, congestion and diffuse calcification of small blood vessels of kidney in group II and III were noticed. The body weight of birds reared on Mancozeb added diet was affected adversely in groups Il and Ill. The leucocyte count was reduced in group Ill. The erythrocyte count, Haemoglobin, ESR and PCV were not affected by the treatment. The serum ALT was increased significantly in group Ill. Alkaline phosphatase was increased for the first few months. Humoral and cell mediated immunity was not affected. Serum zinc and manganese level showed an upward trend. The accumulation of zinc was more in the muscles than in the kidney or liver. Most of the treated birds showed focal area of sub- capsular haemorrhage and streaks of necrosis in the borders of liver. Histo- pathologically necrotic changes were seen in the liver, kidney and spleen.