Induced exudative diathesis in chicks by dietary silver

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dietary silver exposure can lead to significant growth depression and mortality in poultry.
• Exudative diathesis is a condition linked to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin E and selenium.
• Understanding the protective roles of specific nutrients against heavy metal toxicity is crucial for animal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E, selenium, and cystine in counteracting the detrimental effects of dietary silver in chicks.
• To compare the protective capabilities of these supplements against silver-induced growth inhibition and mortality.
• To investigate the role of these nutrients in preventing exudative diathesis.

Main Methods:

• Two feeding experiments were conducted using young chicks.
• Chicks were fed a diet containing 900 p.p.m. silver, with or without supplements of vitamin E, selenium, or cystine.
• Growth, mortality, and clinical signs of exudative diathesis were monitored over a four-week period. A second experiment involved switching diets post-symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Dietary silver significantly depressed growth and increased mortality, primarily due to exudative diathesis.
• Supplementation with 1 p.p.m. selenium or 100 I.U. vitamin E per kg. completely prevented growth depression and mortality.
• Cystine supplementation stimulated growth but did not prevent mortality. Vitamin E was more effective than selenium in reducing mortality in the second experiment.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin E and selenium are highly effective in preventing the toxic effects of dietary silver in chicks.
• These nutrients play a critical role in preventing exudative diathesis and associated mortality.
• While cystine supports growth, it does not offer protection against silver toxicity-induced mortality.