Estudo experimental sobre a intoxicação de Gallus gallus domesticus com sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis. II - Efeito em aves na fase final de crescimento

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the toxic effect of Crotalaria spectabilis seeds added to the ration for commercial broilers during the final phase of growth. Ground seeds were added at different concentrations to the ration: 0.0% (control), O.OI%, 0.1 % and 0.4%. Rations containing 0.4% caused symptoms of intoxication, beginning in the second week of the study. During the third week birds showed bristling, apathy, general weakness, distended abdomen and agglomeration. ln the fourth week, four animais died. Necropsy revealed prominent ascites and severe lesions of liver, kidney and Jung. Microscopic examination revealed necrosis of hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of biliary duct cells leading to atresia and cholestasis. Prominent cartilaginous ahd osseous nodules in the lungs were also present as well as degenerative, changes in the kidney tubules and necrosis of cells of the bursa. Ali the broilers receiving a ration with 0.1 % of Crotalaria seeds showed ascites and slight lesions of the tiver. Toe remaining groups showed no reduction in weight gains, lesions or clinicai symptoms. It is concluded that broilers during the final phase of growth are sensitive to administrations of seeds of C. spectabilis in their ration. Toe presence of ascites and cartilaginous and osseous nodules in the lungs of the affected birds was also considered important.